Electrical plug upside down?

[John from Central Florida]

Anybody see this before? I’ve been to two campgrounds now where the socket is mounted with the ground plug up, which makes the connection a problem (at least for me).

[Johnny Lightning]

I think this will answer your question. But I still think it's stupid because it puts unnecessary strain on the cord and it will fall out easier. Go figure because I can't.


https://www.reddit.com/r/engineering...s_anyone_know/

[oldmanAZ]

I'm sure we'll hear from folks that know the codes, but AFAIK, it's not really 'upside down' - it's just different than what you are used to.

I've read somewhere that it can be safer with the 'ground side up': If the weight of the cord pulls down and exposes the ground, it's safer than having a hot side exposed.

[RedHorse1]

Ive seen a few outlets installed “upside down “ but not many. The link that Johnny posted seems to indicate that maybe it’s mandated in Canada and the UK but not the US.

[WinnieView]

Get out a screwdriver and 'fix it'.

But whatever you do don't do as this very young boy did back in the 60's and stick anything metal into it.

[SloPoke]

Last I researched section 410 on a job we did the engineering for, the only requirement I could find was a restriction on receptacles facing up (so that a metalic object could not fall into the receptacle)

There are local codes that are more specific on which way a receptacle is oriented, so It could be a local code.

[Vicr]

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

I'm sure we'll hear from folks that know the codes, but AFAIK, it's not really 'upside down' - it's just different than what you are used to.

I've read somewhere that it can be safer with the 'ground side up': If the weight of the cord pulls down and exposes the ground, it's safer than having a hot side exposed.

Oldman is correct. This is actually the correct way to install a duplex receptacle.

[Vicr]

Originally Posted by SloPoke

Last I researched section 410 on a job we did the engineering for, the only requirement I could find was a restriction on receptacles facing up (so that a metalic object could not fall into the receptacle)

There are local codes that are more specific on which way a receptacle is oriented, so It could be a local code.

Not a code issue but most medical facilities/ labs etc. will have it in the specifications.

[Bullitt6283]

I was told that in new construction the ground pin has to be on top to pass the local electrical inspection.

Reason 1: If a metal faceplate is used, and it comes loose, it would hit the ground pin first instead of a hot part.

Reason 2: With the ground pin down the outlets look like little surprised smiley faces and small children were having nightmares.


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[Tunce the traveler]

You guys are putting way too much thought into this up & down thing so I invited everyone over to my place to cool off and have a beer.

[John from Central Florida]

Originally Posted by winnieview

get out a screwdriver and 'fix it'.

but whatever you do don't do as this very young boy did back in the 60's and stick anything metal into it.

awesome!

[Johnny Lightning]

Originally Posted by WinnieView

Get out a screwdriver and 'fix it'.

But whatever you do don't do as this very young boy did back in the 60's and stick anything metal into it.

And that kind sir is why I put tamper-resistent receptacles in all of my apartments. Don't need no fried kiddie, now chicken on the other hand......

[Vicr]

[QUOTE=Bullitt6283;720289]I was told that in new construction the ground pin has to be on top to pass the local electrical inspection.

Reason 1: If a metal faceplate is used, and it comes loose, it would hit the ground pin first instead of a hot part.

There is nothing in the NEC which dictates the the ground prong orientation.

[Bullitt6283]

Originally Posted by Bullitt6283

I was told that in new construction the ground pin has to be on top to pass the local electrical inspection.

Reason 1: If a metal faceplate is used, and it comes loose, it would hit the ground pin first instead of a hot part. .

Originally Posted by Vicr

There is nothing in the NEC which dictates the the ground prong orientation.

Not debating. Just saying what I was told....


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[Vicr]

[QUOTE=Bullitt6283;720339]Not debating. Just saying what I was told.




I checked the code book. I'm not debating either. I'd rather drive my Mustang than debate.

[Bullitt6283]

Originally Posted by Vicr

I'd rather drive my Mustang than debate.

On that we agree!
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[Tunce the traveler]

[QUOTE=Vicr;720342][QUOTE=Bullitt6283;720339]Not debating. Just saying what I was told.




Now go drive it like you stole it !!!!!!!!! And remember " what's behind you is of no consequence ".

[michael.g]

Originally Posted by John from Central Florida

Anybody see this before? I’ve been to two campgrounds now where the socket is mounted with the ground plug up, which makes the connection a problem (at least for me).

I've never seen it a campground before. That would certainly be a problem at our seasonal site. We wouldn't be able to close the cover on our pedestal if the receptacle was upside down like in your picture.

-Michael

[2nOZ]

Originally Posted by michael.g

I've never seen it a campground before. That would certainly be a problem at our seasonal site. We wouldn't be able to close the cover on our pedestal if the receptacle was upside down like in your picture.

-Michael

We saw it at several COE campgrounds in the past. It was very difficult to plug our 30 amp surge protector into the pedestal.

[norty1]

OhOh I see a need for a new adapter, a reverse dogbone?