an electrical receptacle includes a switch having an open state and a closed state ; an electrical socket that receives an electrical plug ; an electrical interface that directly couples to electrical wires and conductively carries current to the switch ; a user interface having an input device that receives user commands , and an output device that sends user signals ; and a timer that , upon user command , causes the switch to close . when the switch is in the closed state , current conductively reach the electrical socket . when in the open state , current does not conductively reach the electrical socket .