in a commercial setting (school, buisness etc.) the grounding prong is placed above the two other prongs (like they are just flipped over). Why?
This is what I'm talking about
Commercial
http://assets.twacomm.com/assets/1836073907/product_images/19065_sm.jpg
Residential
http://www.marshallbrain.com/cp/gif/outlet.jpg
2007-03-28 09:55:27 · 6 answers · asked by Ammy 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
They can be installed either way. The high amperage statement is exactly right. The reason that some are installed with the grounding prong on the top is this: It was assumed that if something fell onto the plug and jarred it loose, the first thing it would hit would be the ground prong and not the hot or neutral prong. It was just an idea created for safety. Sometimes annoying, and it looks funny to some, but it really is a great idea when you think about it.
Great Question!
2007-03-28 10:57:36 · answer #1 · answered by Nick J 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The commercial plug shown is actually a different plug from your household plugs. It is known as a "high amperage 110 volt" outlet. It is designed for stuff which pulls more power than the typical household device. As far as the grounding prongs, they can be installed either way in a residential setting, although most cords are designed for the prong to be used on the bottom.
This is a great question, by the way!
2007-03-28 17:52:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The plugs are the same, it's just the way that they are installed. Your "residential" picture doesn't show the entire outlet, because it is covered by the face plate. As far as my office building goes, the ground is down. At my house, some were installed ground prong up, others with ground prong down. What it really depends upon more than anything else is the preference of the person putting in the plug.
2007-03-28 17:15:13 · answer #3 · answered by Charlie L 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the ground is on top for industrial use to avoid the possibility of a short between phase & neutral if the plug is not all the way in.
A tool or conductive debris could bridge between phases.
Not as likely w/ gnd facing up.
OK to invert for home use esp w/ 90deg plugs eg. behind appliances .
The unnecessary bend in power cord could kink & possibly cause a short also.
2007-03-28 19:25:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The plug can got either way. I am an Master Electrician with 13 yrs experience in the trade. I put them in ground down my dad puts the in ground up
2007-03-31 08:14:59 · answer #5 · answered by tatimsaspas 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i just looked at MY plogs in my house and they have the ground on top. i think they are the same way on both. . sure of it.
2007-03-28 17:07:54 · answer #6 · answered by oldtimer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋