While standard receptacles typically use three wires -- hot, neutral and ground -- you'll occasionally find 2-prong outlets in older homes. Since this type of outlet lacks a ground connection, the ...

USB ports have quietly turned into the default power outlet for phones, laptops, headphones, and even monitors, but the ...

Power strips are a common and convenient way to provide additional sockets, but experts warn that there are certain household items you should never plug into one.

Electric vehicles should be the most straightforward things, on the basis that we spend half our lives plugging stuff in. Phones, vacuums, household appliances, we’re no strangers to sticking cables ...

We have a severe lack of electrical outlets in the kitchen at work and the toaster oven and blender are sharing an outlet. If you want to use one, you just unplug the other and plug it in. This ...

Sarah Mitroff has worn many hats at CNET, including Senior Mobile Editor and Managing Editor of Health and Wellness. Currently, she is a freelance editor. Throughout her career, she's written about ...

As people working from home amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic, many people might be placing themselves at unnecessary risk due to unsafe electrical setups and practices. Safety specialists have ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Jack Thompson. Design: Nadia Palacios Residential Design Yes, power sockets are essential ...