Installing Outlets Ground Up or Down

Why Electrical Outlets May Be Positioned With The Ground Up or Down and Which Way is the Right Way

Should Outlets Have the Ground Up or Down
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”. Please help.

This electrical question came from: Florian, an electrician from Longlac Ontario, Canada.

Additional Comments: I like it very much to answer these type of question.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Florian.

Electrical Outlets Can Be Positioned With The Ground Up or Down

• As far as I know there is no electrical code that requires a receptacle to be installed with the ground up or the ground down.
• I will point out that having the ground up is much safer and could avoid an accidental occurrence where a thin metallic object could slide into the exposed hot and neutral prongs and cause an electrical flash and possible electrical shock, which I have witnessed first hand.
• I might add that while I performed electrical installations in a hospital facility for nine years all the new receptacles were installed with the ground up.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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