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#1
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Proper outlet orientation
This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for
an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. |
#2
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Proper outlet orientation
"Eigenvector" wrote in message ... This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. Ground lug up, for the reason that if a metal cover plate comes off it hits the ground first. Left to right orientation the hot goes up. Rich |
#3
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Proper outlet orientation
"Rich" wrote in message . .. "Eigenvector" wrote in message ... This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. Ground lug up, for the reason that if a metal cover plate comes off it hits the ground first. Left to right orientation the hot goes up. Rich Alright, I hadn't thought of that. |
#4
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Proper outlet orientation
Eigenvector wrote:
"Rich" wrote in message . .. "Eigenvector" wrote in message ... This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. Ground lug up, for the reason that if a metal cover plate comes off it hits the ground first. Left to right orientation the hot goes up. Rich Alright, I hadn't thought of that. Most people haven't because (1) most plates in a house aren't metal (metal usually found only in a shop or industrial applications)and (2) plates are screwed on and don't often come off, especially if a plug is in the socket. Probably have a 1 in 10,000,000 chance of a plate falling off. |
#5
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Proper outlet orientation
George E. Cawthon wrote:
Most people haven't because (1) most plates in a house aren't metal (metal usually found only in a shop or industrial applications)and (2) plates are screwed on and don't often come off, especially if a plug is in the socket. Probably have a 1 in 10,000,000 chance of a plate falling off. I see a fair amount of metal plates in older homes and updated newer ones, and the odds are probably higher than that. We could poll the people on this newsgroup, mulitply by the number of outlets, on average, they've lived with over the years, and determine a sample incident ratio - but let's not. We're talking about convenience outlets. The proper orientation of an outlet is that which allows the connecting cord(s) to run the best course, lay flatest, or most concealed/accessible. In other words, whatever is most convenient. Any other answer, whether code or conviction, is based on immaterial and insignificant factors. That probably helps explain why GFIs usually (always? never saw one that wasn't) have the test and reset buttons labeled so they're readable with the ground in either orientation. R |
#6
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Proper outlet orientation
RicodJour wrote:
George E. Cawthon wrote: Most people haven't because (1) most plates in a house aren't metal (metal usually found only in a shop or industrial applications)and (2) plates are screwed on and don't often come off, especially if a plug is in the socket. Probably have a 1 in 10,000,000 chance of a plate falling off. I see a fair amount of metal plates in older homes and updated newer ones, and the odds are probably higher than that. We could poll the people on this newsgroup, mulitply by the number of outlets, on average, they've lived with over the years, and determine a sample incident ratio - but let's not. We're talking about convenience outlets. The proper orientation of an outlet is that which allows the connecting cord(s) to run the best course, lay flatest, or most concealed/accessible. In other words, whatever is most convenient. Any other answer, whether code or conviction, is based on immaterial and insignificant factors. That probably helps explain why GFIs usually (always? never saw one that wasn't) have the test and reset buttons labeled so they're readable with the ground in either orientation. R Completely agree with the paragraph above. I suppose type of plates may depend on what part of the country you live in. And certainly people use all types of material, wood, rock, etc. to make fancy plates. |
#7
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Proper outlet orientation
On Mon, 16 Oct 2006 19:28:52 -0500, "Rich"
wrote: "Eigenvector" wrote in message ... This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. Ground lug up, for the reason that if a metal cover plate comes off it hits the ground first. Left to right orientation the hot goes up. Are you sure about that last thing? It seems inconsistent when orienting it for safety. You want the metal cover plate to touch hot? Rich -- 69 days until the winter solstice celebration Mark Lloyd http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com "God was invented by man for a reason, that reason is no longer applicable." |
#8
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Proper outlet orientation
Rich wrote:
"Eigenvector" wrote in message ... This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. Ground lug up, for the reason that if a metal cover plate comes off it hits the ground first. Left to right orientation the hot goes up. Rich I had an interesting test of it a short time ago. A metal clothes hanger fell behind a desk hitting a plug that was partially out (ground plug down). Sparks and blew the breaker!! |
#9
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Proper outlet orientation
Most molded "wall hugger" plugs are orientated with the ground on the bottom, i install the outlets to comply + the look like a face going ooooh, which I prefer/ |
#10
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Proper outlet orientation
Eigenvector wrote:
This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. This has been discussed many times here. You can orient the plug any way you want including horizontally. Most plugs seem to be oriented with the hole (ground) on the bottom, but other houses have the ground on the top. Flat plugs are often formed so that a plug with the ground on the bottom is best. Orient it any way you want, you can always turn it over later if you want a different orientation. |
#11
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Proper outlet orientation
George E. Cawthon wrote:
Eigenvector wrote: snipped This has been discussed many times here. You can orient the plug any way you want including horizontally. Most plugs seem to be oriented with the hole (ground) on the bottom, but other houses have the ground on the top. Flat plugs are often formed so that a plug with the ground on the bottom is best. Orient it any way you want, you can always turn it over later if you want a different orientation. I've heard that "ground pin up" (for the metal wallplate reason) is required on new work in some parts of Canada. Can anyone confirm that? Jeff -- Jeffry Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE) "What do you expect from a pig but a grunt?" |
#12
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Proper outlet orientation
Jeff Wisnia wrote:
George E. Cawthon wrote: This has been discussed many times here. You can orient the plug any way you want including horizontally. Most plugs seem to be oriented with the hole (ground) on the bottom, but other houses have the ground on the top. Flat plugs are often formed so that a plug with the ground on the bottom is best. Orient it any way you want, you can always turn it over later if you want a different orientation. I've heard that "ground pin up" (for the metal wallplate reason) is required on new work in some parts of Canada. Can anyone confirm that? I can confirm that the metal cover plate reason makes no sense, regardless of who's bought into the logic and written code to comply. By the time the ground prong is far enough out of the receptacle hole to make contact with the cover plate, the other two prongs are far enough out that the cord is no longer energized. R |
#13
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Proper outlet orientation
On 16 Oct 2006 20:57:57 -0700, "RicodJour"
wrote: Jeff Wisnia wrote: George E. Cawthon wrote: This has been discussed many times here. You can orient the plug any way you want including horizontally. Most plugs seem to be oriented with the hole (ground) on the bottom, but other houses have the ground on the top. Flat plugs are often formed so that a plug with the ground on the bottom is best. Orient it any way you want, you can always turn it over later if you want a different orientation. I've heard that "ground pin up" (for the metal wallplate reason) is required on new work in some parts of Canada. Can anyone confirm that? I can confirm that the metal cover plate reason makes no sense, regardless of who's bought into the logic and written code to comply. By the time the ground prong is far enough out of the receptacle hole to make contact with the cover plate, the other two prongs are far enough out that the cord is no longer energized. Even a really thin metal cover plate? Some of these might make contact even if the plug is only an eighth of an inch out. R -- 69 days until the winter solstice celebration Mark Lloyd http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com "God was invented by man for a reason, that reason is no longer applicable." |
#14
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Proper outlet orientation
Mark Lloyd wrote:
On 16 Oct 2006 20:57:57 -0700, "RicodJour" wrote: Jeff Wisnia wrote: George E. Cawthon wrote: This has been discussed many times here. You can orient the plug any way you want including horizontally. Most plugs seem to be oriented with the hole (ground) on the bottom, but other houses have the ground on the top. Flat plugs are often formed so that a plug with the ground on the bottom is best. Orient it any way you want, you can always turn it over later if you want a different orientation. I've heard that "ground pin up" (for the metal wallplate reason) is required on new work in some parts of Canada. Can anyone confirm that? I can confirm that the metal cover plate reason makes no sense, regardless of who's bought into the logic and written code to comply. By the time the ground prong is far enough out of the receptacle hole to make contact with the cover plate, the other two prongs are far enough out that the cord is no longer energized. Even a really thin metal cover plate? Some of these might make contact even if the plug is only an eighth of an inch out. The cover plate has nothing to do with the orientation. Nothing. The grounding plug is a bit longer than the other two. Like the other guy said, first to make, last to break. Unless there's a new and stupid plug with flexible prongs, the hot and neutral can't be made to touch the cover plate unless the receptacle is recessed well behind the face of the plate. Why is it that nobody's mentioned a polarized plug? Since there's no ground, does that make the plug more dangerous? This whole thing is like someone complaining about the dangers of an air bag while they're driving around drunk. The mechanical/electrical systems aren't to blame, it's the nut behind the wheel. R |
#15
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Proper outlet orientation
RicodJour wrote:
Jeff Wisnia wrote: George E. Cawthon wrote: This has been discussed many times here. You can orient the plug any way you want including horizontally. Most plugs seem to be oriented with the hole (ground) on the bottom, but other houses have the ground on the top. Flat plugs are often formed so that a plug with the ground on the bottom is best. Orient it any way you want, you can always turn it over later if you want a different orientation. I've heard that "ground pin up" (for the metal wallplate reason) is required on new work in some parts of Canada. Can anyone confirm that? I can confirm that the metal cover plate reason makes no sense, regardless of who's bought into the logic and written code to comply. By the time the ground prong is far enough out of the receptacle hole to make contact with the cover plate, the other two prongs are far enough out that the cord is no longer energized. R So think about what you just wrote, RicodJour. With the most often seen "alien face" receptical orientation, if the plug were pulled out of the receptical maybe 1/16" and if a metal plate securing screw was missing and the moon was in its correct phase, vibration might cause the plate to move away from the wall and drop down so the upper edge of one of it's holes fell across the still connected hot and neutral plug prongs. That could cause arcing and possibly a spark ignited fire. If the receptical were installed in the "cowgirl position" AND a grounded plug was "slightly uninserted", the loose plate would fall onto the plug's ground pin and no problem would ensue. Of course, that would only happen if the plug HAD a ground pin. It wouldn't help squat with a two prong (ungrounded) plug. Capice now? Jeff -- Jeffry Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE) "Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." |
#16
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Proper outlet orientation
Jeff Wisnia wrote:
RicodJour wrote: Jeff Wisnia wrote: George E. Cawthon wrote: This has been discussed many times here. You can orient the plug any way you want including horizontally. Most plugs seem to be oriented with the hole (ground) on the bottom, but other houses have the ground on the top. Flat plugs are often formed so that a plug with the ground on the bottom is best. Orient it any way you want, you can always turn it over later if you want a different orientation. I've heard that "ground pin up" (for the metal wallplate reason) is required on new work in some parts of Canada. Can anyone confirm that? I can confirm that the metal cover plate reason makes no sense, regardless of who's bought into the logic and written code to comply. By the time the ground prong is far enough out of the receptacle hole to make contact with the cover plate, the other two prongs are far enough out that the cord is no longer energized. R So think about what you just wrote, RicodJour. With the most often seen "alien face" receptical orientation, if the plug were pulled out of the receptical maybe 1/16" and if a metal plate securing screw was missing and the moon was in its correct phase, vibration might cause the plate to move away from the wall and drop down so the upper edge of one of it's holes fell across the still connected hot and neutral plug prongs. That could cause arcing and possibly a spark ignited fire. If the receptical were installed in the "cowgirl position" AND a grounded plug was "slightly uninserted", the loose plate would fall onto the plug's ground pin and no problem would ensue. Of course, that would only happen if the plug HAD a ground pin. It wouldn't help squat with a two prong (ungrounded) plug. Capice now? You left out the tinder under the receptacle from a nearby pencil sharpener, Jeff. Why wouldn't the circuit breaker wouldn't trip in that situation? If that's not safe enough, put the receptacles with the loose cover plates and near the paper clip dispenser on a GFI. Hell, put the whole house on a GFI - that would actually do something to improve safety. I could dream up a scenario that would compromise any system. Doesn't mean that it's going to happen, ever did happen, or that my time dreaming was well spent. This is the alt.home.repair version of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. R |
#17
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Proper outlet orientation - Question asked
Well, just to satisfy my own curiosity, and because I knew that continuing
this thread would **** off Tekkie and RicodJour even more, I have posed the question to my local inspectors office. Maybe in a couple of weeks they'll respond with a nice sensible answer? "Jeff Wisnia" wrote in message et... RicodJour wrote: Jeff Wisnia wrote: George E. Cawthon wrote: This has been discussed many times here. You can orient the plug any way you want including horizontally. Most plugs seem to be oriented with the hole (ground) on the bottom, but other houses have the ground on the top. Flat plugs are often formed so that a plug with the ground on the bottom is best. Orient it any way you want, you can always turn it over later if you want a different orientation. I've heard that "ground pin up" (for the metal wallplate reason) is required on new work in some parts of Canada. Can anyone confirm that? I can confirm that the metal cover plate reason makes no sense, regardless of who's bought into the logic and written code to comply. By the time the ground prong is far enough out of the receptacle hole to make contact with the cover plate, the other two prongs are far enough out that the cord is no longer energized. R So think about what you just wrote, RicodJour. With the most often seen "alien face" receptical orientation, if the plug were pulled out of the receptical maybe 1/16" and if a metal plate securing screw was missing and the moon was in its correct phase, vibration might cause the plate to move away from the wall and drop down so the upper edge of one of it's holes fell across the still connected hot and neutral plug prongs. That could cause arcing and possibly a spark ignited fire. If the receptical were installed in the "cowgirl position" AND a grounded plug was "slightly uninserted", the loose plate would fall onto the plug's ground pin and no problem would ensue. Of course, that would only happen if the plug HAD a ground pin. It wouldn't help squat with a two prong (ungrounded) plug. Capice now? Jeff -- Jeffry Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE) "Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." |
#18
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Proper outlet orientation
On Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:51:57 GMT, "George E. Cawthon"
wrote: Eigenvector wrote: This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. This has been discussed many times here. You can orient the plug any way you want including horizontally. Most plugs seem to be oriented with the hole (ground) on the bottom, but other houses have the ground on the top. Flat plugs are often formed so that a plug with the ground on the bottom is best. Orient it any way you want, you can always turn it over later if you want a different orientation. I change mine every week. I like changes in my life and this is my way to achieve change. I think I like the ground down better though. It looks more like a face. |
#19
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Proper outlet orientation
George E. Cawthon wrote:
This has been discussed many times here. You can orient the plug any way you want including horizontally. Most plugs seem to be oriented with the hole (ground) on the bottom, but other houses have the ground on the top. Flat plugs are often formed so that a plug with the ground on the bottom is best. Orient it any way you want, you can always turn it over later if you want a different orientation. I've seen the patents for two-prong polarized receptacles that are rotatable. The part you plug into is part of a sphere that can rotate inside it's socket so you can have the plug oriented however you'd like. Haven't seen a 3 prong patent, but then again I didn't look. I'm not sure anyone manufactures them. Anyone ever seen one of those suckers installed? R |
#20
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Proper outlet orientation
RicodJour wrote:
I've seen the patents for two-prong polarized receptacles that are rotatable. The part you plug into is part of a sphere that can rotate inside it's socket so you can have the plug oriented however you'd like. Haven't seen a 3 prong patent, but then again I didn't look. I'm not sure anyone manufactures them. Anyone ever seen one of those suckers installed? Seems Leviton has another solution. http://www.twacomm.com/catalog/model...C3B0DCE2F3 B3 R |
#21
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Proper outlet orientation
"RicodJour" wrote in message ups.com... RicodJour wrote: I've seen the patents for two-prong polarized receptacles that are rotatable. The part you plug into is part of a sphere that can rotate inside it's socket so you can have the plug oriented however you'd like. Haven't seen a 3 prong patent, but then again I didn't look. I'm not sure anyone manufactures them. Anyone ever seen one of those suckers installed? Seems Leviton has another solution. http://www.twacomm.com/catalog/model...C3B0DCE2F3 B3 R Now we can debate if the blue dot goes up or down? Rich |
#22
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Proper outlet orientation
On Sun, 22 Oct 2006 12:09:47 -0500, "Rich"
wrote: "RicodJour" wrote in message oups.com... RicodJour wrote: I've seen the patents for two-prong polarized receptacles that are rotatable. The part you plug into is part of a sphere that can rotate inside it's socket so you can have the plug oriented however you'd like. Haven't seen a 3 prong patent, but then again I didn't look. I'm not sure anyone manufactures them. Anyone ever seen one of those suckers installed? Seems Leviton has another solution. http://www.twacomm.com/catalog/model...C3B0DCE2F3 B3 R Now we can debate if the blue dot goes up or down? Rich "blue" is associated with depression, so it goes down. |
#23
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Proper outlet orientation Idiot question
Eigenvector posted for all of us...
This might sound like a dumb question, And it is because once again you have done NO research on this often asked question. WHEN WILL YOU LEARN????? -- Tekkie "There's no such thing as a tool I don't need." |
#24
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Proper outlet orientation Idiot question
"Tekkie®" wrote in message . .. Eigenvector posted for all of us... This might sound like a dumb question, And it is because once again you have done NO research on this often asked question. WHEN WILL YOU LEARN????? -- When will you stop responding to posts you don't like? That's what I thought. |
#25
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Proper outlet orientation Idiot question
Eigenvector posted for all of us...
"Tekkie®" wrote in message . .. Eigenvector posted for all of us... This might sound like a dumb question, And it is because once again you have done NO research on this often asked question. WHEN WILL YOU LEARN????? -- When will you stop responding to posts you don't like? That's what I thought. When YOU stop posting your idiotic questions and learn to research - you are such an easy target because you are STUPID. -- Tekkie "There's no such thing as a tool I don't need." |
#26
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Proper outlet orientation
I dont think the NEC stipulates either way. Authority having jurisditction could answer that. If you have the ground down and the receptacle is loose and the cord end starts to fall out the ground will still be in. First make last break. If you have the ground down and some how or another something metal falls across the hot and neutral if the cord is not plugged all the way in it will obviously short it. 6 of this and half a dozen of the other. On Mon, 16 Oct 2006 17:11:08 -0700, "Eigenvector" wrote: This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. |
#27
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Proper outlet orientation
This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install There are a lot of people with habitual ways of doing it, and a lot of rationalization to support those ways, but no particularly compelling reasons. Ground up means falling conductors hit the ground first. Ground down means that if the plug falls out under it's own weight, the ground is the last to go. Ground down means it looks like a smiley face and attracts children. Ground up means that the short prongs are on the bottom where it's harder to see them when plugging things in. I go with ground down because that's what I'm used to. If you're not consistant about it, it looks sloppy and irritates the end-user. Was it me, I'd pick one direction for normal convenience outlets, and flip them upside down when I wanted to signal some special-case ones. (Like switched outlets, or outlets on a generator, or something.) next time you grab a grounded cord to plug it in, look at it and see which way you've turned it. That's how the recepticle should go. --Goedjn |
#28
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Proper outlet orientation
On Tue, 17 Oct 2006 15:11:32 -0400, Goedjn wrote:
This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install There are a lot of people with habitual ways of doing it, and a lot of rationalization to support those ways, but no particularly compelling reasons. Ground up means falling conductors hit the ground first. Ground down means that if the plug falls out under it's own weight, the ground is the last to go. Ground down means it looks like a smiley face and attracts children. Ground up means that the short prongs are on the bottom where it's harder to see them when plugging things in. I go with ground down because that's what I'm used to. If you're not consistant about it, it looks sloppy and irritates the end-user. Was it me, I'd pick one direction for normal convenience outlets, and flip them upside down when I wanted to signal some special-case ones. (Like switched outlets, or outlets on a generator, or something.) I've seen red receptacles in hospitals. I think they do that to indicate those connected to the emergency generator. next time you grab a grounded cord to plug it in, look at it and see which way you've turned it. That's how the recepticle should go. --Goedjn -- 69 days until the winter solstice celebration Mark Lloyd http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com "God was invented by man for a reason, that reason is no longer applicable." |
#29
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Proper outlet orientation
"Mark Lloyd" wrote in message ... On Tue, 17 Oct 2006 15:11:32 -0400, Goedjn wrote: This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install There are a lot of people with habitual ways of doing it, and a lot of rationalization to support those ways, but no particularly compelling reasons. Ground up means falling conductors hit the ground first. Ground down means that if the plug falls out under it's own weight, the ground is the last to go. Ground down means it looks like a smiley face and attracts children. Ground up means that the short prongs are on the bottom where it's harder to see them when plugging things in. I go with ground down because that's what I'm used to. If you're not consistant about it, it looks sloppy and irritates the end-user. Was it me, I'd pick one direction for normal convenience outlets, and flip them upside down when I wanted to signal some special-case ones. (Like switched outlets, or outlets on a generator, or something.) I've seen red receptacles in hospitals. I think they do that to indicate those connected to the emergency generator. That's correct, at least is exactly how we do it in the data centers. Orange, in this case for emergency power. next time you grab a grounded cord to plug it in, look at it and see which way you've turned it. That's how the recepticle should go. --Goedjn |
#30
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Proper outlet orientation
"Eigenvector" wrote in
: This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. Yep it's amazing how much this subject repeats. And every time it get dead horse beaten. This solves the problem. An outlet with one up and one down. http://www.gulliblesucker.com |
#31
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Proper outlet orientation
On Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:10:09 -0500, Al Bundy
wrote: "Eigenvector" wrote in : This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. Yep it's amazing how much this subject repeats. And every time it get dead horse beaten. This solves the problem. An outlet with one up and one down. http://www.gulliblesucker.com Is that supposed to have the grounds pointing toward each other (so both receptacles sort of make an X), or grounds opposite (diamond pattern for both receptacles)? I say make them opposite. If you REALLY want it to work, get one with the grounds on opposite ends, install it horizontally (hot up on both receptacles), use a shared neutral circuit and a FPE panel. Then install an automatic wet paperclip dispenser on the wall, directly over the outlet. :-) |
#32
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Proper outlet orientation
Heterosexual. One outlet, and one plug. None of this plugamy, or
double male or double female nonsense. It's just not right. -- Christopher A. Young You can't shout down a troll. You have to starve them. .. "Eigenvector" wrote in message ... This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. |
#33
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Proper outlet orientation
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 01:25:57 GMT, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote: Heterosexual. One outlet, and one plug. None of this plugamy, or double male or double female nonsense. It's just not right. I know someone who wanted a triple-male adapter once. Someone who got his gender mixed up for the holidays. |
#34
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Proper outlet orientation
Eigenvector wrote: This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? Snip Not really. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? No. NEC 2005 is totally noncommital about it. In fact, GFI outlets have the 'test' and 'rest' buttons readable in either verticle position. However, Traister's 'Commercial Electrical Wiring' p.240 shows ground hole up in vertical orientation and neutral (longer) slot up for horizontal mounting as preferred practice. Flip a coin and then just be consistant with the job as a whole. Joe |
#35
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Proper outlet orientation
The NEC does not care
As a practical matter there is one exception to "it does not matter" - if you have two or more duplets receptacles side by side it makes sense to install them in *alternating orientations*, this makes it more likely you will able to optimize your insertion of a combinations of plugs and "wall-wart" transformers. Everyone will make fun of your "sloppy" work, though 8^) |
#36
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Proper outlet orientation
MDT at Paragon Home Inspections, LLC wrote:
The NEC does not care As a practical matter there is one exception to "it does not matter" - if you have two or more duplets receptacles side by side it makes sense to install them in *alternating orientations*, this makes it more likely you will able to optimize your insertion of a combinations of plugs and "wall-wart" transformers. Everyone will make fun of your "sloppy" work, though 8^) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx .. That's heck of a good idea. Haven't got many'double' duplex outlets at moment but it fits in with my idea! When I wire a yet to be finished part of our basement am intending to put in double duplex outlets, using square wall boxes; reason being that adapters are messy, often cheaply made, tend to protrude from the wall, may fall out etc. and do not accommodate sufficient plugs. Also you do run into equipment cords that 'run off' in different directions, sometimes at right angles (sideways) as it were. I keep any old cut off equipment cords with odd configuration on the off chance that they may be useful. e.g. In kitchen we have a 'battery charger' for those small AA, D cell batteries etc. whch has a moulded grounding plug, with cord that runs off the plug oddly! Even though the charger is completely enclosed and seemingly could use a two pin/polarized plug. Maybe the input-output/s of the charger are electrically not isolated; although unit seems heavy enough to contain an isolating transformer? Also take a typical computer installation, (1) monitor, (2) the PC itself (3) Modem or router (4) printer or scanner etc. That's four sockets right there. The whole computer set up doesn't need a lot of the power available on a 15 amp circuit/outlet. Then if you want to plug in something else such as a radio or a soldering iron to do a small repair you need an extension cord to the next outlet which is hidden behind a heavy file cabinet or something!!!! Similarly on work bench often have three items plugged in at same time in order to work on something. So double duplex outlets, installed in 'opposite' directions at about waist level (just above desk-bench top height) it will be. Thanks for the suggestion; oh, with a GFI outlet for downstream protection in each circuit. Cos our panel is equipped with standard Square D breakers, circa 1970s. Very happy that back then we installed a 200 amp service and big enough panel; still got a few spare positions! Another idea; I may just install the duplex outlets 'sideways'????????? |
#37
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Proper outlet orientation
On Mon, 16 Oct 2006 17:11:08 -0700, "Eigenvector"
wrote: This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. I have one outlet in each of several rooms that are switched outlets for lamps. These are oriented opposite the other outlets in the same rooms (cowgirl position - thanks for the nugget). At a fast glance I can tell it is switched (builder made). Other homes, switched like this were all oriented all the same, but the builder put a sticker on the plastic cover plate - I guess to indicate the switched outlet. -- Oren "Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly." |
#38
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Proper outlet orientation
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:38:47 -0700, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 16 Oct 2006 17:11:08 -0700, "Eigenvector" wrote: This might sound like a dumb question, but is there a proper orientation for an outlet? I'm looking at the replacement outlet that I am going to install and I notice (based purely on the text stamped on the outlet face) that the text on the outlet is upside down if you put the ground prong on the bottom, but the text on the outlet is rightside up and readible, the ground prong is on top of the hot and neutral prong. Does the orientation matter so far as code is concerned? Is there a reason why having the ground tap on the top would be necessarily a bad thing - if only because the cords wouldn't stay in the outlet or you'd have to always twist the cord 180 degrees when you plugged in. I have one outlet in each of several rooms that are switched outlets for lamps. These are oriented opposite the other outlets in the same rooms (cowgirl position - thanks for the nugget). At a fast glance I can tell it is switched (builder made). Other homes, switched like this were all oriented all the same, but the builder put a sticker on the plastic cover plate - I guess to indicate the switched outlet. That what about outlets that are HALF switched? -- 68 days until the winter solstice celebration Mark Lloyd http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com "God was invented by man for a reason, that reason is no longer applicable." |
#39
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Proper outlet orientation
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 21:14:32 -0500, Mark Lloyd
wrote: I have one outlet in each of several rooms that are switched outlets for lamps. These are oriented opposite the other outlets in the same rooms (cowgirl position - thanks for the nugget). At a fast glance I can tell it is switched (builder made). Other homes, switched like this were all oriented all the same, but the builder put a sticker on the plastic cover plate - I guess to indicate the switched outlet. That what about outlets that are HALF switched? You lost me in three words, but... one plug is hot an the other switched????? . Don't let me go off half-switched? -- Oren "Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly." |
#40
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Proper outlet orientation
Oren wrote:
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 21:14:32 -0500, Mark Lloyd wrote: I have one outlet in each of several rooms that are switched outlets for lamps. These are oriented opposite the other outlets in the same rooms (cowgirl position - thanks for the nugget). At a fast glance I can tell it is switched (builder made). Other homes, switched like this were all oriented all the same, but the builder put a sticker on the plastic cover plate - I guess to indicate the switched outlet. That what about outlets that are HALF switched? You lost me in three words, but... one plug is hot an the other switched????? . Sure. Why not? Don't let me go off half-switched? -- Oren "Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly." -- The e-mail address in our reply-to line is reversed in an attempt to minimize spam. Our true address is of the form . |
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