[Ads-l] "In-Wall"

[Stanton McCandlish]

Even with basic electrical stuff, there's in-wall and on-wall.  In-wall
(recessed) outlets are the kind most of us are the most used to, while
on-wall outlets (more often called surface-mount or surface-run) are
commonly found in industrial environments for mounting on concrete and
brick walls:

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/metallic-commercial-electrical-outlet-on-wall-1824429674

I've also seen "on-wall outlet" used to refer to 4-to-8-outlet extenders
that fit over existing 2-outlet faceplates, like this:
  https://smile.amazon.com/GE-Adapter-Outlets-Bathroom-50759/dp/B0009HKEXM

Neither use of "on-wall" seems common in the industry for electrical
outlets; I don't find it in product listings.  "In-wall" seems pretty
common in product listings for stuff that used to only be available as
on-wall dongles, like USB charging ports.  Usage example (without the
hyphen because marketers hate hyphens for some reason):

https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonCommercial-White-4-Pack-Wall-Charger/dp/B082Q26GDV



On Mon, Sep 20, 2021 at 6:29 AM Dan Goncharoff <thegonch at gmail.com> wrote:

> It's describing a device wired into the wall, I'm contrast to older smart
> devices that plug into existing wall outlets. New tech needs new language.
>
> On Mon, Sep 20, 2021, 8:36 AM Martin Kaminer <martin.kaminer at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > "The Best In-Wall Smart Outlet"
> > https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-in-wall-smart-outlet/
> > I guess just 'wall outlet' is no longer adequate?
> > Like "built-in appliance"?
> > As opposed to out-wall outlets?  Or just out-outlets?
> >
> > ------------------------------------------------------------
> > The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org
> >
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org
>

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