How to Identify Large Appliances Receptacles
Every home owner should know what type of outlets they have in their home, how to identify them and what type of power the particular appliance requires. Appliance receptacles are easy to identify. The typical home in the U.S. has two types of electric receptacles. Smaller appliance run on 120 volt, however your larger appliances require 240 volts.
- To identify large appliance receptacles look in areas of your home where your large appliances are, such as, a dryer, dishwasher, oven, stove. Generators are also considered a large appliance if you have wired your home for generator use.
- Identify the characteristics of the receptacle. Large appliances are larger than most 120-volt receptacles and 120-volt receptacles are typically the outlets you would plug lamps, televisions and computers into. The large appliance receptacles may be octagon or round in shape. They may also be mounted with a metal flashing as opposed to a plastic or wood outlet cover. Large appliance receptacles may also be protruding from the wall rather than being mounted inside the wall.
- Inspect and compare the power plug on your large appliance. Large appliance receptacles have much larger prong holes than a small appliance outlet. The prong holes are configured differently. Large appliance receptacles will have L-shape, T-shape or concave slits normally in a four-hole pattern. The large appliance power plugs are designed to fit the shape of their corresponding receptacle.
- Identify the pattern of the power plug prongs and match it to the receptacle in your home. By law, large appliance receptacles must be clearly marked on the housing as a 240 volts receptacle. When purchasing a new large appliance it is always a good idea to draw the receptacle outlet prong patter or take a clear picture of the receptacle. Be sure to take the drawing or picture with you when go shopping. When buying a stove or oven a power cord may be required a separate purchase.