Why are all the electrical outlets installed upside down in the hospital? Because if a cord or wire were to fall down on a partially plugged in right-side up outlet you would short out between the hot and the neutral. When the outlet is “upside down” in the above situation the wire would touch ground first.
Why are electrical receptacles in hospitals installed upside down?
This is the reason why they install the receptacles in hospitals in an upside down position instead of right side up. In case of an upside down outlet, dropping something metallic on the exposed part of the plug, it will first touch the ground pin and may trip the circuit breaker which is supposed to do so for better protection.
What happens if you plug an outlet in upside down?
Because if a cord or wire were to fall down on a partially plugged in right-side up outlet you would short out between the hot and the neutral. When the outlet is "upside down" in the above situation the wire would touch ground first. Answer 3:
Why do my outlets keep falling off?
If the outlet were installed with the ground pin up – i.e. upside down – the item is more likely to deflect off and not make contact with an energized pin. Another issue along these lines is from metal face plates.
What happens if a screw falls out of an electrical outlet?
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.
What happens if you drop something on an upside down outlet?
Why are 3 prong outlets installed upside down?
What does the red color of the outlets mean?
Can you install an outlet in the right or left side?
Is it OK to Install the Outlet in Upside Down Position?
What is the purpose of upside down outlets?
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.
Should outlets be installed upside down?
While there is no requirement within the standard electrical building code for the orientation of electrical outlets, it is a best practice to install them with the grounding pin on the bottom.
Why are outlets up high?
The one outlet that has the pin up is to indicate the one that is hooked up to a switch, so you can turn on floor lamps or mounted lamps when you enter the room rather than trip in the dark to reach the lamp itself.
What does a blue outlet mean?
The blue color outlets are self grounding outlets with alarm indication in case of loss of ground protection are used in the following applications. Hospital grade outlets in emergency rooms in healthcare buildings and hospital, industrial and commercial applications.
What is the correct way to install an outlet?
The outlet should be oriented with the ground pin down because a person grabbing the outlet will have their index finger at the bottom side of the plug and the index finger sticks out further than the thumb. Having the ground down will keep a person's index finger from touching the live pins.
What is the code for outlets on a wall?
The US National Electrical Code, Section 210.52, states that there should be an electrical outlet in every kitchen, bedroom, living room, family room, and any other room that has dedicated living space. They must be positioned at least every twelve feet measured along the floor line.
Should the ground prong be on top or bottom?
With the ground in the upper position, the ground prong on the plug could pull out with the hot and neutral still energized, thus creating a possible electrocution hazard. Ground should be at bottom that way if the plug is accidentally pulled; the last prong to disconnect will be the ground.
How high off the floor should an electrical outlet be?
about 16-inchesGenerally, you want to mount receptacle boxes with the bottom of the box about 16-inches off the floor.
Why are hospital electrical outlets upside down? - Quora
Answer (1 of 7): Ah, the NEMA interface used in the United States. They are made with current ratings from 15amps to 60amps. The voltage rating ranges from 125 to 600 volts. This is because in the event of the plug partially falling out of the socket, anything that is conductive that falls on ...
Outlet Ground Pin Up or Down? - Archtoolbox
Some theories about the orientation of an outlet: The outlet should be oriented with the ground pin up because if the plug comes slightly loose and a metal object were to fall from above, the ground plug, which usually does not carry current, would deflect the object so that it would not hit is live prongs.It is accepted that this idea began in health care facilities where many tools used for ...
Why do I put my plugs upside down?
So, why put the plugs upside down? The best answer I could find was on a message board for electricians, where one contractor suggests putting the ground pin facing up for this reason: if the plug isn't all the way into the wall (so that some of the metal parts of the plug are exposed) and you happen to drop something metal onto the exposed parts of the plug, it would be best for the dropped object to contact the ground pin (causing no damage) than the current-carrying blades (potentially causing a short-circuit).
Why do you need a ground pin on a plug?
The two blades carry the current, and the pin is the 'ground'. The ground pin only carries current when there is a fault in the system. A fault is when something disrupts the usual flow of electricity through the circuit -- if one of the wires gets damaged, or something metal touches an exposed wire. In situations like that, the ground pin will carry the extra current away from the fault and to the ground (literally) which should prevent all the current from going into the fork that you're holding. This is why the 3-prong plugs are safer than the 2-prong variety, and also why you tend to see them in devices that are used outside, or around water, or in hospitals, which are all places where some moisture is likely to get into the device, causing a fault, and potentially giving a nasty shock to anyone who happens to be touching the device.
Can you get shocks from touching a 3 prong plug?
Also, even 3-prong plugs won't always save you, you can still get some rather nasty shocks just from touching the insula ted plastic around a 3-prong outlet. Because if a cord or wire were to fall down on a partially plugged in right-side up outlet you would short out between the hot and the neutral.
What is an outlet in electrical?
Thanks to Mark Bertacchi, a Master Electrician, for the way he words this: “An outlet is the point where the building wiring method exits the wall, ceiling or floor and is usually terminated in a box - thus the term ‘outlet box’.”
Why are ground pins on top of power outlets?
The ground pins of the power outlet is on top to ensure that anything metalic that may drop along the outlet will hit the ground pin first..
Why should a receptacle be oriented with the ground pin down?
An alternate argument proposed by some is that the receptacle should be oriented with the ground pin down because a person grabbing the plug will have their index finger at the bottom side of the plug and the index finger sticks out further than the thumb. Having the ground down will keep a person's index finger from touching the live pins. Another argument for ground pin down is that if something drops down and hits the plug, the ground pin will be the last thing to lose contact.
What is an outlet in NEC?
Outlet is defined in 2017 NEC Article 100 as “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.” Information in the 2017 NEC Handbook goes on to say “The term outlet is frequently misused to refer to receptacles. Although receptacle outlets are outlets, not all outlets are receptacles outlets. Other common examples of outlets include lighting outlets and smoke alarm outlets”
What is an outlet in a receptacle?
Outlets are the things that receptacles are placed in. I want you to know the terminology that the governing code uses - but you can call them whatever you want.
Why do hospitals use plug in carts?
It’s because most plug in loads in hospitals are on movable carts. It allows cords to be extended an extra foot or so that would not be available if they were pointed down. It also allows the cord can be readily coiled and stored on the carts without reversing direction which is necessary if the ground is on the bottom.
What is the most common mounting orientation for receptacles?
By far the most common mounting orientation in the US for such receptacles mounted in walls is vertical, ground pin down.
Why do electrical outlets have to be upside down?
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.
Where is the correct position of an electrical outlet?
Have you ever noticed what you consider an anomaly in your home or office? Are the electrical outlets ‘upside down’? Like most people, you probably think that the correct position of an electrical outlet receptacle is with the two vertical slots located at the top and the round ground hole directly below. In reality (and barring a few local code exceptions), there is no correct position!
What happens if a metal plug falls on a ground pin?
In the ground pin down configuration, if a metal object were to fall on a loose plug – the object will more easily contact the positive and negative pins causing a short and possible fire. Imagine for a moment a loose plug sticking partially out of the electrical socket behind a cabinet.
What happens if a ground pin is up?
If the ground pin were up, there is less of a chance of creating such a condition.
Is there a correct way to install an electrical outlet?
Correct Position of the Electrical Outlet. It’s actually a little surprising to learn that there is no ‘correct’ way to install an electrical outlet. It is actually common to see outlets in all four configurations (ground up, left, right or down) depending on the application. Many kitchens will have the outlets ‘sideways’ above the counter-tops.
Is it safer to ground a cord down or up?
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. Such applications are safer when the cord is not stressed in the opposite direction of gravity.
Is it better to put an outlet upside down or upside down?
Many people believe that an electrical outlet installed upside down will have a better gripping ability. This is somewhat true due to the geometry differences in a plug installed with the ground up or down, however, it’s unlikely that this is the reason for an outlet to be installed one way versus the other. 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. Such applications are safer when the cord is not stressed in the opposite direction of gravity.
Why do hospitals put their oxygen receptacles upside down?
Hospitals install receptacles upside down, likely to avoid any arcing in a room with oxygen in use. Conversely, the argument against an upside down receptacle is that if the the cord is tugged out and downward (the usual way it happens), the ground can become disconnected with the cord still “live,” resulting in an ungrounded appliance ...
What happens if you put a metal cord upside down?
If a piece of metal drops down onto a slightly-loose cord plugged into an upside down receptacle, the metal will only contact the ground slot. But it will cause a short, with possible arcing and sparks, when the hot and neutral are on top. Hospitals install receptacles upside down, likely to avoid any arcing in a room with oxygen in use.
Can you leave a receptacle alone?
There is no NEC (National Electric Code) violation either way. So have it flipped if it bothers you but, otherwise, you can just leave it alone.
Is there a code for an upside down receptacle?
Monday, July 9, 2018. While it is standard to have the ground slot on the bottom, there is no code requirement for it. There are three possible reasons for an upside down receptacle: Some electricians install a receptacle that is controlled by a switch upside down, as an easy way to indicate which receptacles in a room are switched.
Why are outlets upside down?
Outlets are upside down in commercial buildings (and most modern residences) because a plug’s blades carry electrical current. Should a metal object come in contact with the blades, a short circuit could cause sparking and fire. This won’t happen if it touches the ground plug.
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.
Why do electricians install outlets in commercial buildings?
To limit the fire hazard, electricians install outlets in commercial buildings with the grounding plug facing up. The long third pin sends excess electricity to the ground in the event of a power surge. Should metal accidentally come into contact with the ground plug, no short circuit results.
What happens when you plug a power cord into an outlet?
When you plug a power cord into an outlet, you create an electrical circuit. Current flows through the cord’s copper wires and lets your printer print and your computer compute. The positive “hot” blade brings the current from the power line, and the negative “neutral” blade brings it back to the ground and completes the circuit.
What is an outlet cover made of?
Today most outlet covers are made of plastic. Decades earlier, they were commonly made of metal. If an outlet cover came loose and contacted a power cord’s blades, the results could be catastrophic. And even today, a worn Ethernet cable touching an electrical outlet can create a nasty and costly mess.
What to check before installing outlets?
Before installing any outlets, check to see if your municipality or homeowner’s association has specific requirements. 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.
What happens when you break a circuit?
When you break that circuit by flipping a switch or unplugging a device, your machine loses power and turns off. But when you put a strongly conductive material between the blades, you get a short circuit. A short circuit results in a tremendous electrical power surge that can cause equipment damage, sparking, and fires.
What happens when an outlet is installed with the grounding pin opening down?
When an outlet is installed with the grounding pin opening down, if a plug is part of the way out of the outlet and something electrically conductive falls against the metal prongs of the plug, the conductive object has a chance of becoming “hot” and can cause a shock or fire.
Why is the ground prong on the top of the outlet?
In America the actual standard is for the ground prong to be on the top for safety. This reduces the chance of contacting the hot or current carrying terminal. In most installations the outlet is mounted upside down because it looks better this way .
Why do some outlets have a third prong?
One side holds that if the plug is not in all the way it is possible for a conductor to come across the blades and short it out and having the third prong up will prevent that. The other side holds that the biggest problem is the plug being accidently pulled out, and by having the third prong down it is most likely the last to break it’s connection. There is nothing in the electrical code to specify which way it should be, so it depends on the installer. Personally I prefer the third prong down.
What is the advantage of grounding a plug?
The advantage of ground down is if the plug begins to fall out of the receptacle the ground is the last to fall out leaving the ground intact in the circuit.
What happens if something falls on a wall?
If something hanging on the wall falls and it falls on an attachment plug inserted into the receptacle, it will contact the grounding conductor first. If it then contacts the ungrounded conductor and is metallic then it will cause a ground fault and the overcurrent/ground fault protective device (circuit breaker) will open the circuit.
What happens if a piece of metal falls on a plug?
Proponents of ground up maintain if a piece of metal were to fall onto the plug it would hit the ground first rather than short out the circuit. This has happened.
Why do hospitals use face plates?
That is generally done at hospitals or in areas that have metal face plates. It can prevent the plate from shorting out the circuit if it falls across the hot and neutral.
What happens if you drop something on an upside down outlet?
In case of an upside down outlet, dropping something metallic on the exposed part of the plug, it will first touch the ground pin and may trip the circuit breaker which is supposed to do so for better protection.
Why are 3 prong outlets installed upside down?
The newer 3-prong outlets are installed upside down in hospitals because a partially plugged-in right side up outlet may create chaos in case a fork or any other metallic tool falls down on the upper two terminals (Hot & Neutral) which leads to a short circuit and hazardous fire. This is the reason why they install the receptacles in hospitals in an upside down position instead of right side up.
What does the red color of the outlets mean?
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.
Can you install an outlet in the right or left side?
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.
Is it OK to Install the Outlet in Upside Down Position?
Well, It is not a code to install the outlet in a specific position e.g. you can install in any direction either the ground prong is top or bottom. The debate still continues between the trade and union electricians but the vote is for Upside down outlets in case of hospitals and patients. In addition, some commercial locations are required to install the receptions in opposite directions (upside down position) in case of metallic faceplate. Nowadays, plastic faceplates are common in home applications, so it does not make sense to install the inverted positioned outlets.
