Outlet position, ground up or down? N.J.

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green_meanie

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Hi, I have a quick question, I want to install some new outlets in my house.

Does the outlet ground plug go towards the floor or towards the ceiling?

I read that the NEC doesn't have any rules regarding this. So is it o.k. to install the outlet either way?

Thanks.
 
O.K. thanks. I just wanted to see if the "code" specified a certain orientation for the outlet, that's all I care about.

Sorry if the question has been asked before, I did a search before posting and didn't have the time to look through the 162 pages that came back.



By the way do something for Pete, he's having a heart attack.
 
In Florida it is common to install the ground down. In my area, the electricians install the ground up on the switched outlet. Nice and convenient for the owner if someone tells them why it is different.
 
groundingrecepcorrect.jpg


Roger
 
That is one scary looking recp. I don't think I want to know. My thought on the "ground Down" is that if the weight of the cord or someone pulling on it and the plug is loose and falls 1/2 way out, the ground would be the last thing to disconect. If you install ground up, the ground prong can come out and leave the conductor prongs still attached and working WITHOUT the ground. Just my opinion, your results may vary.
 
Sorry Guys, I couldn't help myself. :wink:

Actually that would be the safest receptacle ever. It wouldn't provide much in the way of power, but it would have the EGC provision more than covered. :lol:

Here is a real device from Hubbell that covers all possible positions.

4-plex-receptacles.jpg


Roger
 
Cavie said:
If you install ground up, the ground prong can come out and leave the conductor prongs still attached and working WITHOUT the ground. Just my opinion, your results may vary.
Click to expand...

This is one reason the ground prong is longer than the other prongs. The ground prong is first make, last break. It shouldn't matter how the receptacle is installed.
 
Cavie said:
My thought on the "ground Down" is that if the weight of the cord or someone pulling on it and the plug is loose and falls 1/2 way out, the ground would be the last thing to disconect. If you install ground up, the ground prong can come out and leave the conductor prongs still attached and working WITHOUT the ground. Just my opinion, your results may vary.
Click to expand...
A plug is less likely to fall out with the ground pin up.

"Traditionally", residential is done ground-down, and commercial ground-up.
 
I say use a non-grounding type receptacle so you don't have to worry which orientation is correct. If you have a three prong attachment plug, just use one of those fancy adaptors stamped "made in China" on the side. Then drive a ground rod and connect it to the equipment so it is properly grounded. :shock:

Disclaimer: Everything stated above is should not be followed.
 
bphgravity said:
I say use a non-grounding type receptacle so you don't have to worry which orientation is correct. If you have a three prong attachment plug, just use one of those fancy adaptors stamped "made in China" on the side. Then drive a ground rod and connect it to the equipment so it is properly grounded. :shock:

Disclaimer: Everything stated above is should not be followed.
Click to expand...
Good thing, because I was about to ask whether the wide slot should go to the left or the right.
 
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