What does the term 'grounding-type receptacle' signify?

The term 'grounding-type receptacle' refers to a receptacle that is designed to provide an additional level of safety by reducing the risk of electrical shock. This type of receptacle includes a third grounding prong, which connects to the ground system of the electrical installation. The grounding feature ensures that in the event of a fault, such as a short circuit or leakage current, any stray electricity will have a direct path to the ground. This significantly minimizes the risk of electric shock to individuals using appliances or devices plugged into the receptacle.

In contrast, a receptacle that can only accept two-prong plugs does not have this grounding prong and consequently lacks the same safety benefits. A receptacle specifically for outdoor use would generally indicate special weather-resistant features rather than grounding provisions. Lastly, a receptacle without safety features would not be grounded at all, making it more dangerous and not suitable for environments where electrical safety is a concern. Therefore, grounding-type receptacles are a critical element in promoting electrical safety by providing proper grounding.