The electrical code allows outlets to be installed with the ground plug hole facing up, down or sideways. It’s up to you, there is no standard electric outlet orientation. So that means there really is no such thing as upside down outlets.
Are upside down outlets code?
In reality, there is no code requirement that says an outlet receptacle should be installed one way or the other. In fact, at one time some manufacturers actually recommended the orientation that many of us view as upside downwith the round grounding slot at the top.
Can receptacles be installed face up?
Receptacles, unless listed as receptacle assemblies for countertop applications, shall not be installed in a face-up position in countertops or similar work surfaces.
When installing an outlet should the ground be up or down?
The outlet should be oriented with the ground pin up because this pin is longer and the plastic around the plug is meatier, so it will help to keep the plug inserted in the outlet.
What is the code for outlets on a wall?
210.52
The US National Electrical Code, Section 210.52, states that there should be an electrical outlet in every kitchen, bedroom, living room, family room, and any other room that has dedicated living space. They must be positioned at least every twelve feet measured along the floor line.
Why do hospitals install outlets upside down?
Because if a cord or wire were to fall down on a partially plugged in right-side up outlet you would short out between the hot and the neutral. When the outlet is “upside down” in the above situation the wire would touch ground first.
What is code for bathroom outlets?
The minimum requirement for outlet receptacles in a bathroom is one GFCI-protected receptacle served by a 20-amp circuit. This is a bare minimum, however, and most bathrooms will have at least two receptacles, and often as many of four or five.
Can I install outlets horizontally?
Yes, you can mount an ordinary wall-type receptacle outlet horizontally with the face up, with two exceptions: 1) Receptacles on a countertop or work surface must be specially rated for that use, per NEC 405.6(B), and are typically pop-up type.
What is code for outlets in kitchens?
In kitchens, electrical outlets should be placed no farther than 48 inches apart, so that no point on the countertop is more than 24 inches away from a receptacle. Any countertop 12 inches wide or more should have an outlet on the wall behind the countertop.
What line of code is requires that receptacles in all unfinished areas be GFCI protected?
210.8(A)(5) Unfinished basements Receptacles must be GFCI protected where located in unfinished basements. This same section defines unfinished basements as portions or areas of the basement not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and the like.
Why are some of my outlets upside down?
Electricians may position the outlet in an upside-down position so that you can quickly identify the switch-controlled receptacle. Since it stands out visually to most people right away it provides convenience to the occupants to easily remember which outlet is switch controlled.
What is the correct way to wire an outlet?
To maintain proper polarity when wiring a receptacle, connect the black hot wire to one of the hot bronze-colored terminals. Connect the white neutral wire to one of the neutral silver-colored terminals. When wiring standard switches, the wires connected to the switch are both hot.
What is code height for electrical outlets?
Electrical receptacle outlets on branch circuits of 30 amperes or less and communication system receptacles shall be located no more than 48 inches (1219 mm) measured from the top of the receptacle outlet box nor less than 15 inches (381 mm) measured from the bottom of the receptacle outlet box to the level of the
What is code for distance between outlets?
12 ft.
Wall receptacles serve spaces for 6 ft. on each side of receptacle. Therefore, max. spacing between wall receptacles is 12 ft.
What is code for electrical outlets in garage?
As of the 2017 NEC, newly constructed garages need at least one dedicated 120-volt 20-amp circuit that serves only the garage. This circuit may also power receptacles mounted on the exterior of the garage.
Why are there red outlets in hospitals?
The red outlets (sometimes referred to as sockets) in hospitals and medical facilities indicate that they are on emergency backup power. The bright red color helps nurses, doctors, and hospital staff quickly and clearly identify where to plug in critical equipment during an emergency situation.
What is a switched outlet?
A switched receptacle allows you to control one outlet with a switch while the other remains hot.A receptacle can be split so a wall switch controls one of its outlets while the other is hot all the time.
What is a hospital grade receptacle?
Hospital-grade receptacles are identified with a green dot on the face of the receptacle, and the words hospital-grade usually are stamped on the device’s mounting strap.The NEC requires listed hospital-grade receptacles in patient bed locations of general care areas as indicated in 517.18(B).
Do bathrooms need GFCI outlets?
GFCI protection is required for 125-volt to 250-volt receptacles supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to the ground. GFCI receptacles are required in bathrooms, garages, crawl spaces, basements, laundry rooms and areas where a water source is present.
How far from a sink can an outlet be?
3 feet
Every bathroom must have at least one electrical outlet. It must be a GFCI, and it must be within 3 feet of the edge of the sink. Either behind or beside the sink is acceptable — across from the sink on an opposite wall is not. If the bathroom has two sinks, each must have an electrical receptacle within 3 feet.
Do bathroom lights need to be GFCI protected?
The NEC has no requirement for GFCI protection of lighting in bathrooms. If you have a bath fan or bath fan w/light installed over the tub or in a shower, the manufactures instructions will usually call for GFCI protection.
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