Electrical outlets ground up or down. to/az0eBpCFKyJJKKnipex Wire Strippers - https://amzlink.
Electrical outlets ground up or down i think the idea that some “metal” thing falling on a plug is a long shot and an old electricians tale. The electrical outlets are upside-down (with ground holes on top). I think it could be messy business, observing the proclivities of a control group of toddlers around electrical outlets, plotting out the data, oversimplifying the distribution into one universal rule, and then measuring for any additional safety benefit. You can see my answer to that question by searching for ""Outlets"" in the keywords. Besides codes dictating this in some areas, some installers just prefer them with the ground hole up. Electric. To accommodate this new requirement, manufacturers will be coming out with two new styles of outlets - one with the ground up, the other with the ground down. It is so plugs will not fall out if the outlet is older and is no This house has all electrical points at a considerable height from the ground. Following this practice aligns with the overall goal of building codes to prioritize fire prevention. al/1gjXoDK Nov 12, 2023 · Check Details Electrical receptacle outlet ground up or down. So no I mount outlets ground up. Jul 13, 2023 · I always install them with ground up as that's the way the cord cap is made so that the cord hangs down. 6(B), and are typically pop-up type. When I replaced all the plugs in my beach house, which were ground up (in NC), I was going to put them in ground down as I had been accustomed to (in MD). In 1974, Mike realized there was a need for quality electrical training and opened Mike Holt Should Outlets Have the Ground Up or Down [ad#block]Electrical Question: Some electricians install plugs with the ground down and some with ground up, what is the right way? I have always install them with ground down, is that the right way. Electrical Debate in “Longlac Ontario”. Sometimes, electricians install switched receptacles ground up to differentiate between regular ones. One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! Had an inspection yesterday and the biggest issue was the electrical. Should a metal object come in contact with the blades, a short circuit could cause sparking and fire. Sep 26, 2024 · We’ll explore three different ways to ground two-prong outlets and bring your home’s electrical system up to code. the plugs seem to always have the ground at the top. How to Wire an Outlet Receptacle? Socket Outlet Wiring Diagrams. Take, for instance, the positioning of electrical outlets. A reasonable explanation was given, ground on top because it is safer than the ground on the bottom. The National Nov 8, 2013 · No, it's not the typical ground up/down! I'm having a "brain fart"!:jester: Range and dryer receptacles that are 4-wire and recessed, which way does the ground go? I like to see the cord first, but can't in this case. Cost data sourced via Angi. to/az0eBpCFKyJJKKnipex Wire Strippers - https://amzlink. Dec 14, 2023 · Installing outlets upside down ensures that the ground prong, which is incapable of creating a spark on its own, is positioned in a way that reduces the chances of accidental contact causing a spark. The receptacle can be oriented with the ground slot (the D-shaped holes) facing up or down, but it's considered safer to have the ground slot on top. If the outlet is installed with ground facing up, then these polarized wall warts will be facing up and often that will cause them to sit on the wall at an angle (since the center of gravity is higher than the plugs), exposing the prongs and creating a The electrical code allows outlets to be installed with the ground plug hole facing up, down or sideways. Mar 1, 2024 · But which way do you want 30- and 50-amp outlets oriented in a campground – with the ground up or ground down? Well, campground code does suggest that ground up is the proper orientation simply because just about every RV surge protector, shore power cord, and dog-bone adapter has the ground pin at the top. One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! Ground up or down or ground left or right. Feb 19, 2024 · What is the Correct Way to Install Electrical Outlets: Ground Up or Down? ️ https://trib. So that means there really is no such thing as upside down outlets . Some advocate ground up as a safety improvement, but it's a small difference indeed (the "what if I drop a piece of sheet metal on the plug" argument). Imagine you’ve got a metallic object that accidentally falls onto an outlet that’s only halfway plugged in. However, it is commonly accepted that the National Electrical Code (NEC) of the United States (NFPA 70) , does not provide any specific direction for the orientation of the ground Years ago I worked for two different cousins who were electrical contractors. Of the 20 or so outlets only 2 were grounded (had the 3 prongs). Jan 30, 2024 · When outlets are installed upside down, it’s all about cranking up the safety. Then I noticed - the lettering on the outlets was right-side-up when the ground was up. Also I think it is code. to/2W0rDfYYou might have noticed over the years some receptacles (outlets) are ins There is an age-old debate about whether an electrical outlet should be mounted with the ground pin up or down. Some say ground up while other will tell you ground down. I don’t argue that I think it’s true. A GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) is a special type of outlet that detects dangerous ground faults and immediately turns off the power to stop shocks. Electrical Outlets: Upside-Down or Right-Side-Up? - Fine Homebuilding 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. View attachment 2566348 A homeowner from Las Vegas claimed outlets should be installed ground-up if the outlet is controlled by a switch and ground-down otherwise (so you can tell which is which at a glance. But there is a definite direction needed if you are to use one of these. Dec 30, 2023 - One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! Jul 6, 2017 · I was talking with a fellow electrician today and he had mentioned upside down outlets required in certain areas for the simple fact that if the two prongs are face up and the female plug end of whatever is plugged in , might be pulled downward thus exposing the energized female plug end for it to be susceptible for an object falling down like One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! Sep 26, 2024 · Question Answered by John Williamson, Chief Electrical Inspector, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry John Williamson has been in the electrical industry for 40 years and is a licensed master electrician and certified building official. Jan 22, 2002 · Normal is ground down. Some plugs work better with ground down, and many people think ground down is the only "right" way (the way God intended). We’ll help you put an end to them by showing you how to test and ground your electrical outlets. I have resorted to cutting the plugs off and installing rewireable angle plugs that allow you to clock the plug plug in 90 deree increments. The purpose of the ground is to provide protection to the user in the event the appliance short-circuits or malfunctions. The easiest way to ground an outletLight wall Outlet electrical ground down doityourself upvoteGrounding ground box receptacle metal wire outlet short self electrical connect there when should copper wires leviton if stack. Not an electrician but I work with electrical at my job and was taught that ground up is safer. Not a serious problem, but rather annoying with certain items plugging in. Correctly wired GFCIs will also Sep 26, 2023 · The NEC allows outlets to be installed with the ground plug hole facing up, down or sideways. Hmm I’ve always wondered when they are sideways should the hot side up like yours are or hot side down… you know like how the vertical outlets some are ground up incase something would fall between wall plate and prongs of the plug… Sep 29, 2024 · The ground-fault circuit will flow from the utility transformer through the supply conductors to the home, through the electrical panel’s circuit breaker, to the point of the unintentional ground-fault connection in the washing machine, through the green equipment grounding conductor or metal conduit system, back through the electrical panel As a kid, I had a lamp plugged into the outlet and a decorative license plate hanging from a wire which was strung over the plug I unplugged the lamp one day and the wire slid down a tiny bit, hit both sides of the plug while they were still partly plugged in, shot sparks everywhere and took out the power on that floor of my house. Jun 10, 2024 · Understanding Electrical Outlet Orientation. In this blog, we’ll explore the arguments for both orientations and provide insights to help you decide the best approach for The guy I took an electrical safety course from, who wrote instructional material for UL, insists on ground prong down. Oct 31, 2024 · Plugging the cord in with the grounding pin on top could offer some protection by deflecting the falling object. down Outlet electrical ground down doityourself upvoteLight wall. Kit1f 12 Gauge 10 Ac Ground Plug. You can install your outlets / receptacles with the ground pin facing up or down - but which is correct? #diy #electrical #outlet🎬 CHECK OUT THESE RELAT Ask an electrician which way a receptacle, aka outlet, should be installed: “Ground up or down?” Typically, the answer is “both are fine,” though most of us have a preference. Feb 3, 2024 · There is an age-old debate about whether electrical receptacles should be mounted with the ground pin up or down. One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up!. Lying on your back halfway inside a cabinet is not the most comfortable position, so throw down a couple of couch cushions before you get started. GFCI electrical outlets are also meant to be installed ground pin down, as they feature text on the test and reset buttons that orient in this way. Empty the cabinets, and pull out the drawers to get better access. Better to hit the ground versus the hot prong of the cord. What Is The Correct Way To Install Electrical Outlets Ground Up Or Down. 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. Most plugs on cords are made for the ground down. With the ground down, the cord would be looped from having to turn the plug to match the receptacle. In addition, GFCI outlets, which have text on the reset and test buttons, are Oct 13, 2006 · When I took my masters course the debate arose, and the class was divided on which way a 120v/15A receptacle should be placed, ground up or ground down. The National Ask an electrician which way a receptacle, aka outlet, should be installed: “Ground up or down?” Typically, the answer is “both are fine,” though most of us have a preference. What Is a Grounded Outlet? Dec 13, 2016 · Having the ground down will keep a person’s index finger from touching the live pins. Many outlet receptacle manufacturers recommend installing the electrical outlet in the position that so many consider ‘upside down. 389K subscribers in the electricians community. Neither could say why they did it their preferred way. He was a Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, and Electrical Contractor. so if vertically mounted put the ground on the top. These days when I replace an outlet, I put the pin on top, because it is easier to plug stuff in by aligning the ground pin first, and because the rare metal thing that drops on a slightly pulled-out plug will hit the ground pin. 2" x 2. Question from Scott in Milwaukee, Wisconsin asks: What is the code for the Outlet Ground? What is the code for 110 vac outlets; should the outlet be positioned with the ground up or the ground down? Dave’s Answer: Nov 15, 2024 · Drill the holes for the cable. , responds: The electrical code does not address the direction that receptacles should be installed. Standard electrical outlets feature three prongs: hot, neutral, and ground. 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. Otherwise the plug has the cord coming out the top and bending downward putting strain on the plug such as on a Fridge or hairdryer GFI plug. Mar 28, 2013 · So I called the chief electrical inspector for Newfoundland, and he said that not only is there no requirement to put the ground wire up but that they discourage it because it creates a strain on flat cords, all designed for the ground wire to go down. That way when u go in later there’s no guess work as to which outlet is connected to ur wall switch. it is referred to as ground down or ground up. works for me. ) I had only heard about inverting to ground-up to provide better protection from shorting. Answer 3: Aug 4, 2024 · Before you attempt to ground an outlet yourself, check your local electrical codes and schedule any required inspections. Mar 6, 2016 · Electrical Consultant made us change orientation in many outlets installed with the ground pin down, according to him, they have to be installed with the ground pin Up because that is the way is shown in the CEC Diagram #1; nothing to do with a Spec he said, he based it on the CEC, somewhat I believe he has a point, and since money was held until corrected we went ahead and re oriented them A sk an electrician which way a receptacle, aka outlet, should be installed: “Ground up or down?” Typically, the answer is “both are fine,” though most of us have a preference. Next, unscrew the mounting screws located at the top and bottom of the receptacle and pull it out. May 13, 2024 · Ground outlet electrical wikihow. 90% of homeowners wire outlets wrong, learn how to do it right & AVOID these 3 COMMON ELECTRIC MISTAKES & learn an EASIER way to wire up your outlets with BE They are not upside down that it the proper way to install an outlet! SAFETY! 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. Personally, I’m more used to the ground hole being on the bottom. 2"… Feb 28, 2023 · Electrical outlets, also known as sockets, connect plugs with electricity. Therefore, the outlets were at some point in time, flipped (with no effect to function). You can replace almost any electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet. Would it be costly to have an electrician come out and reground a bunch of outlets and clean up some wires? Depends where the EVSE you plan to connect to it will be mounted relevant to the outlet. Nogis Wall Plate Spacer,Metal Single Gang Device Leveler,Flush Fit Leveling Plate,Outlet Shims, Device Level Plates For Use With Electrical Boxes And Receptacles,Steel (10 Pcs), Size:4. Oct 31, 2017 · Q: Should electrical receptacles be installed with the ground facing up or down? A: Ben Giles, licensed electrician and owner of South Shore Electrical Contractors, in Wakefield, R. For this TV segment we checked further. So I went with the assumption of the manufacturer of the plugs. Turn off the breakers to those outlets and remove the screws attaching the cover plate over the outlet. When the outlet is upside down the wire would touch ground pin first. Where do you put the ground pin for an electrical outlet? Installation of electrical components such as the electrical outlet and electrical box is strictly regulated in order to protect consumers and homeowners. So what Electeician here. If there’s even a tiny difference (4 to 6 milliamps) between the hot and neutral wires, the GFCI assumes the stray current could be going through a person, and de-energizes almost instantly. They are optional for this code cycle, but will be required in the next code cycle. Ground outlet wikihow grounding step box metal anotherHow to install outlets: ground facing up vs. Sep 28, 2024 · Installing electrical outlets: ground up or down? Outlet outlets wiring installing wire installHow to add and wire an electrical outlet Outlet electrical extend exterior gang patio singleElectrical outlet receptacle construction install afci source circuit wiring outlets power installing house adding choose board anywhere add. Jul 16, 2024 - One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! So, there really is no such thing as an "upside down" or "Right side up" outlet. It’s up to you, there is no standard electric outlet orientation. So I called the chief electrical inspector for St. May 1, 2024 - One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! It is an outlet cover plate with built-in LED lights along the bottom, leaving your outlets open for use. You don’t want to kink the cable, so if you’re mounting the EVSE right above the outlet, I’d go ground down. - The discussion of whether the grounding prong is in the up position or down position has been solved! There is no electrical reason or safety reason for either direction. And you slip and drop it, and it slides between the plastic part of the plug and the wall. But, having lived in India, USA and Fiji before, I always had my electrical outlets near the ground. John's and he agreed with the other guy. What Is The Difference Between Two And Three Ged Plugs 337 votes, 354 comments. The ground wire must be attached to the ground rod either by welding or a special toothed clamp. Nov 17, 2005 · Electrical - AC & DC - Want to rotate outlet - Just moved into a new place. One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! There is no right side up or upside down with an electrical outlet. Next day I had one of the ivory outlets turn a nice black when the plate fell and shorted out the plug. What’s safer: ground facing up or down for an outlet? In terms of safety, ground facing up has one slight advantage: a decreased risk of a short and a potential fire. The lights are activated by an automatic dusk-to-dawn on/off sensor, providing soft accent lighting that turns on in the evening and off in the morning. The Ontario electrical code for mobile homes WAGO 221 (90 Piece Kit) - https://amzlink. The electrical system in modern homes uses a three-prong grounded outlet to provide power to 120-volt appliances. Sep 2, 2011 · Half of the receptacles in my NJ home are ground-up and the other half are ground-down. We recommend checking local Dec 13, 2006 · generally plugs are inserted with eyes looking down; ground pins are longer than power blades and therefore must mate with its receiver first; ground up makes it easier to mate pin to hole experience has shown me cord plugs are retained better by receptacles installed ground up, with fewer bent and broken ground pins on the plugs Jun 9, 2022 · What Is The Correct Orientation Of A Three G Outlet Quora. The Feb 5, 2020 · If a piece of metal drops down onto a slightly-loose cord plugged into a ground-slot-up receptacle, the metal will only contact the ground slot. The National Sep 26, 2015 · There are many transformers (wall warts), chargers, etc, that are polarized so the bulk of them is hanging down when the ground pin is down. ie when they are plugged in the cord goes up the wall instead of down. Ground up or down on electrical outletWiring outlets and switches the safe and easy way The easiest way to ground an outletElectrical ground outlet Sep 30, 2024 · GFCI outlets reduce the danger of deadly shock from faulty plug-in cords and devices. NEC and NFPA Code Requirements for Electrical Boxes Jan 5, 2020 · It is actually common to see outlets in all four configurations (ground up, left, right or down) depending on the application. 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. Have you ever pondered whether the ground opening of an electrical outlet should face up or down? It might seem like a trivial concern, but it holds importance for safety and functionality. Feb 9, 2011 · the fiber nail-on range outlet boxes you (can) buy now for new construction, are to be nailed to the bottom plate and the recept will only go in sideways. Anna If ur wall outlet is connected to a wall switch, install it upside down. When indoors, most outlets can have the ground facing either up or down, as long as the outlet cover is installed properly and sealed from weather elements. It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding which way the ground should face, as unique wiring or installation instructions may differ. In an electrical circuit, the Hot carries a potential for 120V which isn't realized until the other half is connected to Ground or a Neutral (return) path. From what I researched this is relatively simple to do. In addition, GFCI outlets, which have text on the reset and test buttons, are oriented with the ground pin down (and the text readable). Unfortunately, there is not a fully accepted answer. Jan 29, 2015 · Ground up or down on electrical outlet - Electrical - AC & DC One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! Garrettinc The correct way is how you want it to look. They naturally started putting the hot on the left like they do with water. The Ontario electrical code for mobile homes May 7, 2024 · What is a GFCI Outlet? A GFCI outlet (receptacle) protects against electric shock by monitoring the electrical current flowing through the GFCI. It's up to you, there is no standard electric outlet orientation. Jul 9, 2018 · 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. Ground Prong Facing Down: For a period of time, GFCI receptacles had their “test” and “reset” buttons oriented so they could be read if the ground is facing down. 4 Pc Extension Cord Replacement 3 G Male Electrical Plug Heavy Duty Grounded Com Feb 6, 2009 · All of my large appliances (fridge, freezer, washing machine, etc) are set up for ground up outlets. The reason an outlet is installed ground up is so if something conductive slips between the outlet face and the plug it will short to ground (IF a ground prong is present) instead of shorting between (Hot)Current 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. I. In what seems to be one of the nightmare scenarios of all hardware manufacturers, we’re talking about a product delay. Apr 18, 2024 · Essentially, the act of seeing a smiley face in the electrical outlet. Jul 7, 2021 · Outlets are upside down in commercial buildings (and most modern residences) because a plug's blades carry electrical current. In the meantime here are the common “up” and “down” theories. Safety ensured plugs have three prongs or pins, and sockets have three holes. Sep 23, 1999 · Mike Holt worked his way up through the electrical trade from apprentice electrician through electrical contractor, to become one of the most recognized experts in the world as it relates to electrical power installations. One installed the ground up, one installed them down. Kirk: to wire that GE ZW 1001 as shown, you'd use a twist-on connector to splice together Black: incoming-hot, outgoing-hot, and black "hot" pre-wired to the receptacle White: incoming-neutral, outgoing-neutral, and white "neutral" pre-wired to the receptacle The green ground wire must be connected to the incoming circuit ground (bare copper Jun 18, 2021 · My electrician is asking whether to install the nema 14-50 with the ground up or down. My guess is this is because the house was built for an old lady and it made it easier for her to reach these. Converting 2 G To 3 Grounded Plug. They use the outlets upside down. This won’t happen if it touches the ground plug. In the video above, Ask This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman explains the purpose of a ground wire and then grounds an outlet for a homeowner. If you’re hanging it from the outlet like with a mobile connector, definitely go ground up. Aug 31, 2023 · How To Ground An Outlet. Aug 12, 2024 · Ground wires connect the busbar to the following products that connect directly to earth to dissipate electricity: Grounding bars, or ground rods, are driven into the earth outside the home and are the most common way to ground service panels. So that means there really is no such thing as upside down outlets. Therefore, as the shape of 3 plugs is quite simple, the shape/arrangement is equated through pareidolia to a human face. Years ago we also had a local inspector make the contractor wiring a new supermarket flip all the outlets ground up before he would approve the wiring. 1. Jul 29, 2003 · Re: Ground up or down? really the duplex outlets grounding slot location dont really make much diffrence and what i will vote with dereckbc and few other will say the same thing use the common sense to set up and my inspecter say nothing about useing grounding up or down or what ever it will be my main point is use the common sense what it will set up Recommended Old Work Box (Different than used in the video): https://amzn. But then after I bought my first house and rewired several outlets ground up I quickly discovered how much that sucks in a home situation. Mar 24, 2022 · But another best practice is to install an outlet that is controlled by a wall switch to be installed upside down with the grounding pin facing up. " Sep 25, 2024 · Grounding is important to protect against electric shocks; the third line redirects electric current during a hazardous ground-fault condition in an appliance. Practice For Good Grounding And Bonding A Home Wiring System Eep. It’s a simple twist, but it makes a huge difference. They are Jul 29, 2015 · If your outlets aren’t properly grounded, you can get hum in your stereo or sound system, flickering lights, and all sorts of other inconvenient quirks in your home electronics. Make sense? To me, the "short circuit denial" theory sounds a lot more plausible than the "happy face denial" theory. Can't fuck that up, right? Well people like the looks of the ground down "happy face" and so ground down/hot on the right became commonplace. This is very common in houses and institutions to set the outlets right side up. Should I Upgrade Ungrounded Outlets Fine Homebuilding. This seemingly minor detail can actually have significant implications for safety and functionality. The first time I got asked this question, it came from Newfoundland. Safety feature that is carrying over from industrial / commercial. If the outlet is ground prong up, it’s not hot. Reply: Anon, the position of installation of an electrical outlet won't affect its operation and should not normally affect its One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! Jan 13, 2012 - One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! Nov 20, 2020 · Yes, you can mount an ordinary wall-type receptacle outlet horizontally with the face up, with two exceptions: 1) Receptacles on a countertop or work surface must be specially rated for that use, per NEC 405. I'll bet I could find close to twenty orientation specific devices or cords with the ground down and not a single one with the ground up if I took a complete survey here. One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! What is the Correct Way to Install Electrical Outlets: Ground Up or Down? diy. The orientation of electrical outlets—ground up or down Jun 10, 2024 · When installing electrical outlets, one of the most debated questions among electricians and DIY enthusiasts is whether the ground prong should be oriented up or down. With the outlet oriented with the ground down, that metal is touching both plug prongs and is hot/electrified. Some commercial houses and hospitals set the outlets reversing the ends. There is no code for this. Reader Question: Which end of electrical outlets go "up"? The ground hole should be up, down, or sideways? Can the outlet be installed any way? For example ground hole facing up, down, or sideways? thanks, - Anon. These Electrical Outlets in a Basement located in an Industrial Building. While the "metal object falls on it from above" scenario might be safer with the prong up, the more likely failure mode (he said) is for the plug to be pulled partly out and start to lever out under its own weight. . Here’s why: If a metal object (think a paperclip or a key) were to fall between a partially plugged-in cord and the outlet, having the ground hole up means the object would likely hit the grounded pin first. It still doesn't make any real difference. Likewise, Ground Left places the Neutral 'Up' and the Hot 'down' whereas Ground Right places the Hot 'Up' and the Neutral 'down'. The object won’t hit the live pins if that outlet is upside down. How To Ground an Electrical Outlet. Any time I’ve ever received something like a shop-built control panel that had an outlet in it, it’s always been ground-up. Many kitchens will have the outlets ‘sideways’ above the counter-tops. The only idea I have Aug 2, 2024 · Press the outlet's mounting strap (the metal strip at the top and bottom) against the box, and secure it with mounting screws on the top and bottom of the box. The Easiest Way To Ground An Outlet Wikihow. Attempting to plug three-prong appliance and equipment cords into old two-prong receptacles can be a serious electrical hazard and probably violates the manufacturer’s warranty. When the outlet is "upside down" in the above situation the wire would touch ground first. We plan on using the Ford Mobile Charger at first but may upgrade to a ChargePoint or WallBox in the future. Today, manufacturers print “GFCI” in both directions. The bottom half of a switched outlet is generally (always?) powered on all the time. You grab it, you get zapped. One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! Mar 27, 2023 - One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! Dec 3, 2011 · All the 2 wire wall warts with polarized plugs were made with the cord going down with the neutral on the left (as looking at the receptacle,ie, ground down). Jul 17, 2019 - One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! 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. But it will cause a short, with possible arcing and sparks, when the hot and neutral are on top. funny that the writing etched into the recep will then be upside down. Mar 12, 2024 · Advocates for installing outlets with the ground hole up argue that it offers a slight safety advantage. I don't want to have to go back later, so I would like to get the orientation right to start with. Oct 7, 2024 - One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! It seems though to be a regional thing - my area is ground down, but my neighbouring provinces are 50/50, and the hospitals and other commercial/industrial places use ground up. I thought I'd look for some instructions online before proceeding on my own. Please help. How so? If the outlet is loose and something with metal (coin, screwdriver, picture frame, or metal outlet wall plate) hits the exposed prongs, then the ground pin being at the Jun 6, 2018 · In addition, many household items like lamps, chargers and timers are oriented for plugging into a prong-down outlet. " I think, in general, It is probably safer to install the ground plug up. However, it is commonly accepted that the National Electrical Code (NEC) of the United States (NFPA 70), does not provide any specific direction for the orientation of the outlet. Feb 11, 2021 · The electrical code allows outlets to be installed with the ground plug hole facing up, down or sideways. The majority of outlets are installed In the realm of electrical installations, even the tiniest details matter significantly. 2) I have read many books that recommend the ground be installed up when the device is in the vertical position in the event a picture frame nail fails from the wall and hits the partially un-plugged cord from below. Essentially the theory is, if something metal were to fall behind the plate, and come into contact with literally anything in the box, or the prongs of whatever you plugged in, it will come into contact with the ground first, protecting you and your house from catching fire, instead of coming across the hot Ask an electrician which way a receptacle, aka outlet, should be installed: “Ground up or down?” Typically, the answer is “both are fine,” though most of us have a preference. 😉 Electrical Outlets: Upside-Down or Right-Side-Up? - Fine Homebuilding 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. to/az0RAB6YA7HPMKlein Tools 11-in-1 Screwdriver - https://a In this short video we will discuss which way is the correct way to install a receptacle. The National "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. The same has happened to the FastMac U-Socket which debuted around a year ago, but things didn’t go too well after that as numerous delays led to a doubling of its potential price tag ($10 to $20), not to mention having a fair number of delayed release dates for frustrated Jan 24, 2019 · So in this case all “ground down” outlets would be full power all the time, while any “ground up” outlets you see were intentionally wired by the electrician to have wall switch power on the top half of the outlet. ’ Even Does the electrical receptacle ("wall plug") go with the ground connector "up" or "down"?: Here we review opinions of electricians and research authorities on the best position for electrical receptacles, with the ground-opening below the wall connector blade openings, as shown in our page top photo, or with the ground opening uppermost. Typically, the hot prong is on the right, the neutral on the left, and the ground prong is either on the top or bottom, depending on the installation. Yup. Any recommendations for up or down? Oct 19, 2017 · Hospitals install the outlets with the ground up so that they will not arc in oxygen rich environments and cause an explosion. Mar 29, 2013 · Revised November 2, 2004Should electrical outlets be installed with the ground pin up or down?There is a lot of debate and few regulations on this question. From the brief comments I had with Electricians and Inspectors, it because if a plug is pulled slightly out form a outlet, there is a potential for something to connect the Hot/Neutral together by landing across the two spades. When 3 prong outlets came out they were designed with the hot on the left and the ground on top. Outlet Ground Pin Up Or Down Archtoolbox. John has worked for the state of Minnesota for over 23 years and is the Chief Electrical Inspector. Oct 15, 2020 · Electrical - AC & DC - Grounding prong up or down? Solved. Welcome to /r/Electricians Reddit's International Electrical Worker… This is a companion article to our discussion of the argument about whether electrical receptacles should be installed "ground-up" or "ground-down" - exploring the argument that a metal faceplate may drop and short against the connectors of a wall plug. Apr 3, 2006 · To keep all outlets oriented the same way, outlets can now only be installed on alternating days. You can put them in with the ground facing up, down, or sideways. Let's fin The NEC book does not address the issue, though many Outlet Suppliers have cut-sheets that say to mount with the ground up. One of the first things people get confused about when trying to install an electrical outlet is which way is right side up! When I replaced all the plugs in my beach house, which were ground up (in NC), I was going to put them in ground down as I had been accustomed to (in MD). This standard install practice is used to designate which outlet is controlled by a wall switch. Arguments for Ground Prong Down. Ground-up receptacles are common in hospitals, where electrical arcs from a short circuit would be particularly disruptive. And seeing that face ‘upside down’ just doesn’t sit right. Ask an electrician which way a receptacle, aka outlet, should be installed: “Ground up or down?” Typically, the answer is “both are fine,” though most of us have a preference. It just makes more sense to me from a consumer standpoint as far as plugging things in. sysek flgyrt xauh ewaxtc hyz rdidglk zpnzdz uznxhps fmqsv bnk