Ac Outlets

10 min readJun 18, 2024

Looking for the perfect AC outlet to fit your home’s needs? Look no further, because we’ve rounded up the top options for you in our latest product guide! In this comprehensive review, discover a range of high-quality AC outlets, tailored to meet different homes and lifestyles. Let us help you find the ideal solution for a comfortable and efficient living space.

The Top 7 Best Ac Outlets

Smart Wi-Fi Power Outlet by TP-Link Kasa — Say goodbye to manual switching with the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Outlet, where smart control meets ease of use.
Smart 110 Volt Duplex Outlet with Charging Ports and Overcurrent Protection — Experience the future of charging with Leviton’s Duplex Type A/C Outlet W, offering advanced performance and enhanced safety for convenient device charging at home.
15 Amp Tamper Resistant AFCI Outlet: High-Performance Safety Meets Modern Design — Experience superior electrical protection with the Leviton AFTR1-W 15 Amp Tamper Resistant AFCI Outlet, featuring advanced self-grounding technology, automatic testing, and rugged construction for optimal performance and safety in your home or office.
Pangea Premier SE AC Outlet — Upgraded Duplex for Superior Performance — Upgrade your home or studio with the Pangea Premier SE AC Outlet, a high-performance, audiophile-grade power outlet that’s unrivaled in quality and designed for unbeatable sound clarity.
AC Works 15/20A 125V Household Flanged Outlet with Covers — Meet the AC Works ASOU520R-WC: a versatile, UL and C-UL certified, flanged outlet with front and back covers, designed for heavy-duty use in residential, commercial and industrial settings.
In-Drawer Docking Drawer with 2 15-Amp AC Outlets — Organize your kitchen with our 15-amp Blade In-Drawer Outlet, a safe and efficient solution that provides countertop relief.
White Duplex Receptacle Outlet with Tamper Resistance — Experience ultimate safety and durability with the Leviton White Duplex Receptacle Outlet, featuring tamper-resistant technology, triple wire power contacts, and a shallow design for optimal wiring space.

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Reviews

Smart Wi-Fi Power Outlet by TP-Link Kasa

I’ve been using the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Outlet in my home for the past few weeks, and I must say, it’s been a game-changer for me. As someone who’s always on the go, being able to control my home appliances from anywhere at any time is a real lifesaver.

One of the things that stood out to me the most about this product is how easy it is to set up and use. Within minutes of opening the box, I had everything connected and ready to go. The Kasa app is incredibly user-friendly, and I appreciate the ability to control my outlet from my smartphone.

Another great feature of this power outlet is its compatibility with various smart assistants, such as Google Assistant, Alexa, and Cortana. It’s always nice to have control at your fingertips, and the voice control feature ensures that I can manage my devices without even lifting a finger.

However, there were a few minor issues I encountered while using this product. Although the installation process was straightforward, I did find myself needing to do a custom wiring job to get the outlet to work with my existing setup. And while the outlet itself is a sleek and compact design, I wish it came with a screw or stab-in connection on the rear for a more secure fit.

Overall, I’m happy with my experience using the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Outlet. It’s an intuitive and convenient product that allows me to take control of my home’s power usage from anywhere, anytime. While there are a few minor drawbacks, the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

Smart 110 Volt Duplex Outlet with Charging Ports and Overcurrent Protection

As a seasoned user, I’ve found the Leviton Duplex Type A/C Outlet W to be a game-changer in my daily life. This smart outlet not only offers a convenient charging solution but also ups the ante on charging technology. The two high-powered charging ports deliver a whopping 5.1A charging current and 25+ watts of power, making it a breeze to charge even the most demanding devices.

What truly sets this product apart is its built-in smart chip, which recognizes each device’s individual charging requirements, ensuring optimal power delivery. Its USB Type-C compatibility, the future of charging, provides faster charging rates and is becoming the standard port on many devices.

The added safety feature of built-in overcurrent protection is a bonus, safeguarding your devices from potential damage caused by excessive power. Although it’s a relatively minor issue, the slight space constraint between the plug and the USB ports can be slightly inconvenient. Overall, I’m quite happy with the Duplex Outlet W and recommend it as a smart, powerful, and safe charging solution.

15 Amp Tamper Resistant AFCI Outlet: High-Performance Safety Meets Modern Design

This Leviton AFTR1-W 15 Amp Tamper Resistant AFCI Outlet offers superior resistance to electrical surges and overvoltages, making it an excellent choice for any indoor environment. Not only does it meet the UL requirements for tripping time for both series and parallel arcs, but it also boasts a unique line load reversal diagnostic feature that prevents the AFCI from being reset, ensuring safety.

Easy to install and with a tamper-resistant design, this outlet is perfect for residential and commercial use. The NEMA 5–15R rating adds an extra layer of safety, and the flammability rating ensures the product can withstand harsh environmental conditions. The outlet features a convenient green LED indicator light, which provides a visual indication when the device is in the tripped state.

Despite its excellent performance, some users have reported issues with the durability of the product, with a few stating that the reset function failed after just a few months of use. Overall, the Leviton AFTR1-W 15 Amp Tamper Resistant AFCI Outlet is a reliable and versatile option for those seeking superior protection against electrical surges.

Pangea Premier SE AC Outlet — Upgraded Duplex for Superior Performance

The Pangea Premier SE AC Outlet offers superior performance compared to standard outlets, making it a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles. This audiophile-grade duplex AC power receptacle, designed by Jay Victor, has an advanced polymer insulation body with 250,000 volt standoff and low loss dielectric properties.

It features a 15/20-amp outlet design and can easily replace a standard AC duplex wall outlet. Though some users might prefer it to have longer screws, others praise its sturdy construction and easy installation process.

AC Works 15/20A 125V Household Flanged Outlet with Covers

Introducing the AC Works ASOU520R-WC, an industrial-grade flange outlet designed for both commercial and residential use. With its 15/20 Amp, 125 Volt NEMA 5–20R power outlet featuring a front cover and back boot cover, this durable outlet caters to a range of applications.

Constructed with a thick quality copper connection and compact design, this heavy-duty power outlet is easy to install and stands up to the test of time. UL and C-UL certified, you can trust the AC Works ASOU520R-WC for safety and reliability.

While it may not come with additional features like AFCI protection, surge protection, or USB ports, its essential functionality makes it a worthy investment for those in need of a reliable power outlet. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, the AC Works ASOU520R-WC is a versatile and functional solution to your power needs.

In-Drawer Docking Drawer with 2 15-Amp AC Outlets

In my daily life, I’ve used the Docking Drawer Blade In-Drawer Outlet, and I must say, it’s been a game-changer! The in-drawer outlets have eliminated the need for those annoying countertop clutters from hairdryers and other appliances. With its safe ETL-listed outlets, I’ve been able to enjoy various applications without any worries.

Installation is a breeze, thanks to the seven included screws and easy-to-follow guidelines. Moreover, this product adapts to both standard and custom-made cabinet sizes, making it a versatile addition to any space. The outlets themselves are well-made, with a snug fit that prevents cords from getting tangled.

However, users should be aware of the required 2-inch space behind the drawer box for proper installation. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that the width of the drawer can accommodate the outlet. Other than these minor concerns, this outlet solution has proved to be a reliable and visually appealing option for maintaining a clean and organized space in any bathroom or kitchen.

White Duplex Receptacle Outlet with Tamper Resistance

Introducing the Leviton White Duplex Receptacle Outlet, a durable and reliable option for keeping your home secure. With its tamper-resistant technology and heavy-gauge steel mounting strap, this outlet is designed to withstand the demands of commercial and institutional applications. Experience maximum conductivity and plug retention with its triple wire power contacts and large-head terminal screws.

This outlet features a shallow design, allowing for maximum wiring room in the box. The back-wiring clamps accept up to №10 copper wire, providing versatility for a range of installation needs. The captive mounting screws ensure fast installation, while the washer-type break-off plaster ears provide the best flush alignment. The break-off tabs enable easy conversion to 2-circuit usage.

As a special grade outlet, it is designed to last longer while maintaining its aesthetic appeal with its white finish. Suitable for both residential and commercial use, this sturdy Leviton outlet meets the standards for both CSA and UL certification.

Buyer’s Guide

When shopping for an ac outlet, consider the following factors to make an informed decision that best suits your needs. This buyer’s guide highlights essential features, considerations, and general advice for selecting the right ac outlet for your home or workspace.

Power Rating

The power rating of an ac outlet is an important factor to consider. It indicates the maximum voltage and current the outlet can handle. Ac outlets typically have a 15A or 20A rating. Choosing an appropriate power rating ensures the safety and compatibility of the outlet with your appliances and electrical system. If you require more power, select an ac outlet with a higher rating.

Voltage Rating

Voltage rating is another crucial aspect to consider. Ac outlets generally have a voltage rating of 120V or 240V. Ensure the outlet’s voltage rating matches the voltage of your electrical system to ensure safe and efficient functioning. If you’re unsure about the voltage requirements, consult a professional electrician.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when using electrical devices. Look for ac outlets with safety features such as grounding and surge protection. Grounding prevents electric shock by providing an alternate path for electricity to flow. Surge protection prevents damage to appliances caused by voltage spikes or surges.

Durability and Quality

A good-quality ac outlet will provide years of reliable service. Look for durable materials such as metal or high-quality plastic. Quality components ensure better electrical conductivity and longer lifespan. Check for certifications, such as UL or ETL marks, to ensure the outlet meets safety standards and quality requirements.

FAQ

What is an AC outlet and why do we need it?

An AC outlet, also known as alternating current outlet, is a type of electrical outlet that uses alternating current (AC) to supply power to various devices. We need an AC outlet because most of our home and office devices run on AC power. It ensures a stable and reliable source of electricity for appliances and electronics.

The AC outlet is essential for powering appliances, charging devices, and ensuring that your house or office stays functional. Without an AC outlet, you would not be able to plug in and operate essential devices such as refrigerators, televisions, laptops, and other electronic gadgets that depend on this type of power source.

What are the different types of AC outlets?

There are several types of AC outlets, including grounded (3-prong) outlets, ungrounded (2-prong) outlets, and tamper-resistant outlets. Grounded outlets have three holes, two for the power connection and one for the grounding wire to protect against electrical shocks. Ungrounded outlets have two holes, one for the power connection and one for the neutral wire.

Tamper-resistant outlets are designed to reduce the risk of electrocution by preventing small objects from being inserted into the outlet. They usually have rotating covers that cover the slots when not in use, making it difficult for children or pets to access the live wires. This safety feature is crucial in households with young kids or pets.

What are the differences between AC and DC outlets?

The primary difference between AC and DC outlets lies in the type of electrical current they supply. AC outlets use alternating current, which alternates between positive and negative charges at regular intervals, while DC outlets use direct current, which flows in a single direction constantly. This difference affects the design of the outlets and the devices they can power.

AC outlets require thicker and wider plugs with more pins to accommodate the alternating current, whereas DC outlets typically have smaller, thinner plugs with fewer pins to handle the direct current. Additionally, AC outlets usually have a grounding pin, whereas DC outlets do not have a grounding connection.

How many AC outlets can a house have?

The number of AC outlets a house can have depends on the electrical system and the wiring capacity. In general, a residential property should have at least one AC outlet per room, including the kitchen, bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms. However, some houses may have more outlets to accommodate multiple devices or to provide additional convenience.

The specific number of outlets required is determined by local building codes, electrical standards, and the individual needs of the homeowner. It is essential to consult with a licensed electrician to ensure the proper installation and arrangement of AC outlets in your home to meet safety and efficiency standards.

How do I identify an AC outlet?

Identifying an AC outlet is relatively simple. Grounded outlets, which are the most common type of AC outlet, have three holes: one for the live (hot) wire, one for the neutral wire, and one for the grounding wire. The grounding wire helps to protect against electrical shocks by providing a safe path for the electricity to return to the grounding rod in the electrical system.

Ungrounded outlets, on the other hand, have only two holes: one for the live (hot) wire and one for the neutral wire. These outlets are generally considered less safe, as they do not have a separate grounding hole to connect the grounding wire. When installing ungrounded outlets, it is essential to use a proper adapter or a device that provides an additional grounding connection to enhance safety.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of surge protectors for AC outlets?

There are several advantages to using surge protectors for AC outlets. Firstly, surge protectors provide additional protection against power surges, voltage spikes, and electrical disturbances that can damage sensitive electronic devices. This helps to prolong the lifespan of your devices and prevent potential malfunctions or failures.

Secondly, surge protectors often have a higher current capacity, which allows them to handle larger power loads and provide additional power outlets. This can be particularly useful in situations where multiple devices require simultaneous usage and limited outlets are available. Lastly, surge protectors typically feature a warning system that alerts you when the protection is no longer functioning, ensuring that you can replace or repair the device before potential issues arise.