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[Kevin Graf]

When did receptacles become outlets?
In my NEC book, receptacles are what cords are plugged into. While outlets are the boxes on the wall that receptacles are mounted in. In general an outlet box has power drawn from it, like a luminary, appliance or receptacle.
But now almost all receptacle packages are labeled outlets. So what's going on?

[Frank Koenig]

When did receptacles become outlets?

Language drifts, and formal usage drifts more slowly. You are correct in your observations.

Try going into a Home Despot and asking for building materials by their formal names. You will be greeted by blank stares and the (correct) notion that you are an elitist a-hole. How would I know?

-F

[Mike Sokol]

Language drifts, and formal usage drifts more slowly. You are correct in your observations.

Yeah, "receptacle" is used by electricians, "outlet" is used by consumers. So what do we call a "plug"?

[Frank Koenig]

Yeah, "receptacle" is used by electricians, "outlet" is used by consumers. So what do we call a "plug"?

"Cap" or "cord cap". Do I get a prize?

[Frank Koenig]

Making up funny words for things is the principal way people protect their intellectual turf. Look at lawyers and doctors. We're no different.

1st column: What normal people say.
2nd column: What people who read this forum (and keep a code book by the toilet) say.

outlet -- receptacle
electrical box -- outlet
panel-mounted male power connector -- inlet
panel-mounted female power connector with a flange -- outlet (?)
plug or cord-mounted male power connector -- cap
cord-mounted female power connector -- connector
light bulb - lamp
lamp - lighting fixture
string-of-lights - festoon lighting

We can keep this going, or not.

And what the hell is a rosette? I think it's the cover for a ceiling fixture box.

Have a great holiday everyone.

--Frank

[Frank DeWitt]

"Cap" or "cord cap". Do I get a prize?

And it is the cap or plug cap because it goes into the plug or attachment plug.  (The part that screws into a socket and accepts the cap.

[Frank Koenig]

And it is the cap or plug cap because it goes into the plug or attachment plug.  (The part that screws into a socket and accepts the cap.

So a "plug" was originally the Edison screw-base to straight-blade adapter used before we had wall receptacles.  I knew you would have the historical perceptive on this. Thanks. -F

[Frank DeWitt]

So a "plug" was originally the Edison screw-base to straight-blade adapter used before we had wall receptacles.  I knew you would have the historical perceptive on this. Thanks. -F

Yes, it was a breakthrough when it was made two piece. It stopped the cord from twisting and allowed the receptacle to accept straight blade caps. Before that a receptacle was a Edison socket mounted in a outlet box

[Keith Broughton]

When did receptacles become outlets?

Around the same time lecterns became podiums   

[Mike Sokol]

And is "branch circuit" for electricians an "extension cord" for consumers. 

[ProSoundWeb Community]