Can an electrical outlet be installed upside down?
Many outlet receptacle manufacturers recommend installing the electrical outlet in the position that so many consider ‘upside down.’ Even electricians (especially seasoned journeymen who worked extensively on commercial buildings) will place the outlet in what you might consider the odd position.
Do outlets have to be on top or bottom?
However, you'll often see installations that seem upside down, where the round grounding hole is at the top, with the vertical hot and neutral slots at the bottom. In reality, there is no code requirement that says an outlet receptacle should be installed one way or the other.
Should outlet receptacles face up or down?
The National Electrical Code does not stipulate how outlet receptacles should be positioned within the electrical boxes. But some electricians install the receptacles with the ground slot facing upward, and there are several reasons why they do so:
Is there an up and down switch on an outlet?
Unlike wall switches, outlet receptacles do not have an up or down and will work just fine installed in either position. The only problem may be one of convention.
Why do some electricians install outlets upside down?
Easier to Identify Switched Outlets Electricians may position the outlet in an upside-down position so that you can quickly identify the switch-controlled receptacle. Since it stands out visually to most people right away – it provides convenience to the occupants to easily remember which outlet is switch controlled.
Why do hospitals install outlets upside down?
All that holds a faceplate in position is one short screw for an AC receptacle. If the screw loosens and falls out, the faceplate will drop down and short out the two power prongs on anything that is plugged into that outlet. Such accidents used to be commonplace which is why power receptacles were put in upside down.
Is it code to install outlets upside down?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) doesn't require a certain direction. The NEC allows outlets to be installed with the ground plug hole facing up, down or sideways. It's up to you, there is no standard electric outlet orientation. So that means there really is no such thing as upside down outlets.
Should outlet ground be up or down?
Having the ground down will keep a person's index finger from touching the live pins. The outlet should be oriented with the ground pin down because many common household items such as nightlights, timers, and battery chargers are oriented with the ground pin down.
What does a red outlet in a hospital mean?
emergency backup powerThe red outlets (sometimes referred to as sockets) in hospitals and medical facilities indicate that they are on emergency backup power. The bright red color helps nurses, doctors, and hospital staff quickly and clearly identify where to plug in critical equipment during an emergency situation.
What do blue receptacles mean?
It is important to identify those receptacles that are protected by the UPS so that mission critical equipment gets properly connected to the UPS system. Blue has become the standard identification for such receptacles, and Leviton offers a wide range of blue receptacles to meet these requirements.
What is a ground prong used for?
If there's something wrong with your appliance, the grounding prong creates a new, low-resistance grounding path down to the main electrical panel. This trips the breaker, stopping the electrical current and preventing damage to your appliance, a house fire, or an electrical shock.
How do you wire an outlet that is controlled by a switch?
1:342:32How to Wire a Switched Outlet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe old outlet. And then on the new outlet our hot wires will be connected to the brass screw ourMoreThe old outlet. And then on the new outlet our hot wires will be connected to the brass screw our neutral wire is going to be going to the silver screw. And our ground wire to the green screw.
Advantages of Upside Down
The National Electrical Code does not stipulate how outlet receptacles should be positioned within the electrical boxes. But some electricians install the receptacles with the ground slot facing upward, for several reasons:
Before You Begin
Go to your electrical service panel, and turn off the circuit breaker that controls the circuit feeding the outlet.
Instructions
If you find your upside-down outlet to be visually disturbing, or if you feel that one of the above reasons is a good reason to mount them ground-slot-up, it is quite easy to change the orientation. It will cost you nothing to do so.
When to Call a Professional
If you have any misgivings about opening up an electric outlet, call an electrician to do this task. Even though this is a very easy project, electricity is dangerous if not handled properly. Any DIYer who is nervous or uncertain about making a basic electrical repair is well-advised to have a professional do the work.
Master electrician Rex Cauldwell offers some insight into the controversial topic of which way you should orient wall receptacles when wiring a circuit in a house
The outlets in my house are installed with the grounding prongs above the slots for the paired plug blades. Is this wrong?
More about residential wiring
Electrical Outlets by the Numbers – Building codes dictate specific height and spacing measurements for receptacles and switches. Learn what the most common dimensions are and why.
Why Are Commercial Outlets Installed Upside Down?
Commercial electrical outlets have traditionally been installed upside down. Some say the upside-down outlets were a call sign used by union electricians. Others offer more practical explanations. Here are a few reasons why commercial electricians install outlets upside down.
Should Outlets Be Installed Upside Down?
The question of whether outlets should be mounted ground-down or ground-up is hotly debated. Electricians argue the pros and cons of each layout. Ultimately the question comes down to a few issues.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice of how you place your outlets is up to you and your electrical inspector. But if you’re installing outlets in a commercial building or plugging in devices at your workplace, chances are they’ll be placed with the grounding pin up.
Sources
Engineering Specialists Incorporated: Why Are Electrical Outlets Sometimes “Upside Down?”
Type of Equipment Used
The main reason there is so much debate is because electricians rely on the type of equipment that will be plugged in to determine the orientation of the electrical outlet.
Horizontal Receptacles
In terms of horizontal receptacles, your best bet is to place the grounding slot to the left and the wide neutral slot on top. The logic behind this move is all about safety.
Choose Wisely
The reality is, just because most of us have grown up with the ground prong slot at the bottom of our electrical outlets doesn’t mean it always makes the most sense! Many people revert back to the fact that there is no code-required orientation, but there are reasons for both orientations, so choose wisely.
ELI5: How do air fryers work?
Doesn’t frying imply that you’re cooking with oil? Is an air fryer just a mini oven?
Eli5: What is physically stopping something from going faster than light?
Please note: Not what's the math proof, I mean what is physically preventing it?
Why Are Commercial Outlets Installed Upside Down?
Should Outlets Be Installed Upside Down?
- The question of whether outlets should be mounted ground-down or ground-up is hotly debated. Electricians argue the pros and cons of each layout. Ultimately the question comes down to a few issues.
Conclusion
- Ultimately, the choice of how you place your outlets is up to you and your electrical inspector. But if you’re installing outlets in a commercial building or plugging in devices at your workplace, chances are they’ll be placed with the grounding pin up.
Sources
- Engineering Specialists Incorporated: Why Are Electrical Outlets Sometimes “Upside Down?”
- How Stuff Works: Paraedolia: Why We See Faces in Almost Everything
- National Electronic Contractors Association: Standard for Installing and Maintaining Wiring Devices
- National Electronic Contractors Association: NECA 331 Figures