What is an outlet?

• A. A protective device
• B. A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment
• C. A junction where cables join
• D. A switch controlling a circuit

Answer: (B)

An outlet is the point in the electrical wiring where power is taken to run devices. It’s typically a receptacle you plug into, delivering current from the branch circuit to utilization equipment like lamps and appliances. It’s not a protective device (that would be a fuse or circuit breaker that cuts power during faults), nor is it a junction where cables join (that’s a splice or junction box). It also isn’t a switch, which would control whether power is connected to a circuit or load. Outlets provide the accessible interface where devices draw the power they need.