We are having an argument at work. Which way should you mount a 115 VAC grounded electrical outlet? Should you mount it in the wall with the ground on the top or the bottom?
2006-10-17 08:08:26 · 9 answers · asked by Chip M 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
You should mount it ground up. This is because any metal that falls down will cross the line and neutral (so will a stainless steel cover).
This is also the reason when mounting an outlet horizontally, the neutral should be UP.
This never happens, but that is why you SHOULD do it this way. However, I install grounds down, just 'cause I think they look better - and it isn't against code.
2006-10-18 10:33:25 · answer #1 · answered by Brendan R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems like you have all the answers you need here, but there is one thing that no one mentioned.
The recommended way to install the outlet is of course ground down. Although people say it does't matter, it really does.
The entire world is used to putting the plug in with the larger side of the plug on the left side. If you install yours otherwise, you and your family will constantly be attempting to insert the plug incorrectly. This will be one of the most annoying plugs in your home.
Therefore, stick with the normal standard installation and have a happy life.
I hope this helps and good luck!
2006-10-18 13:22:07 · answer #2 · answered by onemelbgirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To plug in an appliance with the ground in the top position would mean that the plug would have to be rotated 180 degrees from it's natural position. Clearly the people who manufacture plugs and cords intended the grounds to be on the bottom.
2006-10-17 19:57:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
sure you're able to do this.... Code dictates that it may be a minimum of 36"(3 feet) off the floor and characteristic appropriate grounding. GFCI is foremost, yet not mandatory( so long because it quite is far off from any source of water by utilising a minimum of 36" (3 feet) you are able to not cover any outlet with something! IE; Sheetrock, paneling, drop ceiling...
2016-11-23 16:15:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The side with the slots should face out from the wall.
And I always put the ground prong to the bottom, but either way works.
2006-10-17 10:35:48 · answer #5 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Exert-7 is correct,but for some odd reason people like to see the receptacle with the ground down. Go figure.
2006-10-17 15:07:00 · answer #6 · answered by steven a 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Doesn't matter. Match the rest of the outlets in the room.
2006-10-18 00:53:55 · answer #7 · answered by bonawizer 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The proper method is to mount with the ground on top.
The reason is so that if you were to drop someting onto your plug it would contact the ground and not a live wire, which will shock you if you try to remove it.
2006-10-17 10:06:31 · answer #8 · answered by exert-7 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
There is nothing in the electrical code to tell you how to put it, its up to your personnel prefernece.
I myself prefer ground down.
2006-10-17 09:22:18 · answer #9 · answered by Darren 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋