Why is an electrical outlet called an outlet when you plug things into it? Shouldn't it be called an inlet.?

Question

Why is an electrical outlet called an outlet when you plug things into it? Shouldn't it be called an inlet.?

Answer 1

i don't know.  maybe becuase it is an outlet for elctricity.

Answer 2

I suppose its called an outlet because electricity comes out of it.

In the UK we call them sockets.

Answer 3

Who knows?  Why do they pack building so close together and call them apartments?

Answer 4

No because you get electricity out of it. Hence outlet.

Answer 5

No, it lets electricity out.

Err, and back in again.

In any case, in the UK we call them sockets, not outlets.

Answer 6

Because electricity comes out of it

Answer 7

Simple cause when you plug things in its only then the electricity is able to come out so as to work the tele etc. Electricity is contained so only when an item is attached does it come out...outlet

Answer 8

when I was a kid, and I went into a neighborhood that had a sign saying "No Outlet," I thought it meant that the houses didn't have electricity. Makes me gald I grew up on a thru-street.

Answer 9

That is because it is an outlet for the electricity, the power source ....... it flows out of the socket into your appliance ....... your plug may be plugged in, but the power flows out ....... hope this helps ...... = )