Install outlet upside down

If the outlet were installed with the ground pin up — i. Another issue along these lines is from metal face plates. Most homes and offices have plastic outlet covers and do not have this concern, however, metal face plates remain common in other applications. Image that a ground down outlet has a metal face plate and a loose plug. If the face plate were to become loose or the screw otherwise fails, the face plate could fall out and land directly on the plugs.

If the ground pin were up, there is less of a chance of creating such a condition. Many people believe that an electrical outlet installed upside down will have a better gripping ability.

For certain applications, ground pin down is actually safer or better since many appliances, such as refrigerators, have the cord extend towards the ground pin. In most states, there are no specific codes regarding ground placement in residential buildings. Outlets can be placed ground-up, ground-down, or, in horizontal outlet configurations, ground-sideways. Commercial installations are more closely regulated and typically require ground-up outlets. Many remodeling features have led to costly and nerve-wracking disputes over small details.

Some inspectors will cite you for putting your outlets ground up, and others may fine you for putting them down. The National Electrical Contractors Association states that any ground position is acceptable so long as the contractor remains consistent throughout the job.

But they also say that ground-up or horizontal orientations are preferred, and ground-down is not recommended. Even in areas where commercial codes are silent on outlet orientation, many commercial electricians will install ground-up outlets.

And Canadians, who traditionally use ground-up outlets, wonder why we install our residential electrical outlets upside down. Some say plugs hold better in ground-down receptacles, while others insist the opposite is true. The question depends on the plug being used. In most cases, a ground-up outlet will have slightly better gripping power than a ground-down. But in cords that angle toward the ground pin, a ground-up receptacle places additional stress on the wires. Most wall warts sold on the American market presume a ground pin-down configuration.

In case of the right side up Ground at bottom , the ground is the last pin to disconnect when you pull out the three pin plug. On the other hand Ground at Top , the Hot and Neutral wires are still energized when you pull out the plug.

This way, you may reduce the risk of electric shock and possible electrocution hazard in case of accidental pulled out plugs. As mentioned above, you can install an electrical outlet in any direction as the standard position is not mentioned in the code yet. It will still work the same without affecting the operation either in upside down, right side up or sideway etc. So it is up to you which side you select but most electricians install them in the right side up position.

The red color outlets in a hospital indicate that the receptacles are on emergency backup power. The different color of outlets are identical to the doctors, nurses and paramedic staff and they quickly connect the medical equipment to the desired receptacles and outlets in case of emergency.

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