Installing Outlets Ground Up or Down
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Why Electrical Outlets May Be Positioned With The Ground Up or Down and Which Way is the Right Way |
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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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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Up or down? check what’s going to be plugged in. Some plugs like a refrigerator have formed plugs that are off set. The outlet needs to have ground lug on bottom to make a connection that allows cord to hang down wall.
Hi Don,
That is a very good point, you are absolutely correct!
This is true with range outlets and dryer outlets as well.
Thank you for your insight,
Dave