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Electricalaka: outletaka: plugaka: wall outletaka: wall socket

Receptacle

In Plain English

The outlet in the wall where you plug in electrical devices — what most people call a 'plug' or 'socket.'

Definition

A contact device installed in an outlet box for the connection of an attachment plug. Standard residential receptacles are 15A/125V or 20A/125V; commercial and industrial applications may use 250V, 30A, or higher-rated receptacles. GFCI, AFCI, tamper-resistant, and weather-resistant receptacles address specific safety requirements.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Receptacle counts and types drive the largest quantity items in an electrical takeoff, and the difference between a standard duplex and a GFCI, AFCI, weather-resistant, or tamper-resistant device materially changes unit cost. Misreading the code-required device type by location (kitchens, baths, exterior, garages) creates either underbids that erode margin or scope gaps caught in addenda.

Example

Reviewing the panel schedule and floor plans, an electrical estimator tallies 142 standard duplex, 18 GFCI, and 6 weather-resistant receptacles, then prices each device type plus box, plate, and labor minutes per the assembly.

Related Terms

OutletGround Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)Branch CircuitNEC (National Electrical Code)

Frequently Asked Questions

Estimators tally devices symbol-by-symbol off the power plans, then sort by required type since code dictates GFCI, AFCI, or weather-resistant units in specific locations. Each count rolls into an assembly carrying the device, box, plate, wire, and installation labor, so accurate sorting directly protects bid margin.
Device cost varies widely: a GFCI or combination AFCI unit can run several times the price of a standard duplex, and tamper- or weather-resistant requirements add more. Treating every outlet as a basic duplex understates material cost across hundreds of devices, quietly cutting into profit on award.
On most projects the electrical subcontractor furnishes and installs receptacles as part of its scope, with the GC carrying only the sub's bid number. Estimators should confirm whether owner-specified or designer-furnished devices apply, since that shifts material responsibility and changes how the line is carried.

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