Proper orientation for NEMA 5-15 outlets

[GaryBDavis]

Okay, here's what I think I will do:

Work Shop
Ground at the top. These are all in surface mount steel boxes with exposed EMT conduit, so it has a different feel from the home. Falling metal things are much more likely to come in contact with a partially plugged in outlet so I'll do what's probably closer to technically right.

House
Ground at the bottom. So it will look normal to most folks.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Not to beat a dead horse but there is no clearcut right. I doubt you'll have a problem either way. On a side note, in an area where there are no local codes do you follow state code instead? I can't believe in this day in age there isn't someone governing approved building methods. In the NorthEast most state adopt the national code (NEC) but state can also make ammendments (Mass has some) But the local towns (atleast in CT,RI,MA) don't make electrical codes. I know NYC has thier own version also.

Matt T.

 

[SPIKER]

Hi All:

Just my 2 cents worth on this one, I too was told that the GROUND IS DOWN (as a rule as it was under you're feet and was an easy way to remember it!) BUT recently it has swung the other way just as people have already stated that the ground should in fact be UP to prevent the short if any metal slipped in behind the plugs which were/are installed. I also work as industrial Electrician which uses primarily metal boxes and we pretty much always BLACK TAPE over the sides/screws/wire when installing them. SOME of the guys don't do this and it can be a good way to find out which breaker feds the outlet when ya remove the receptical and pop the breaker.! For a while I had heard that there was some hubbub about putting it into the code book but I don't know what happened if it is or will be? wisdom sometimes excapes the rulebook only to be tossed out with the trash.

mark M

 

[Farwell]

According to what I have read on Mike Holt's Internet news letter, the NEC has this brought up almost every time they meet to establish guidelines and every time they end up saying that either way is not in violation. They will not make a ruling either way. So I guess it is up to the local codes or the installers preference.
I standardize because it really is a pain if some receptacles have the ground pin up and others pin down, especially as posted above, trying to plug something in a receptacle in the dark.
David B

 

[GaryBDavis]

On a side note, in an area where there are no local codes do you follow state code instead? I can't believe in this day in age there isn't someone governing approved building methods. In the NorthEast most state adopt the national code (NEC) but state can also make ammendments (Mass has some) But the local towns (atleast in CT,RI,MA) don't make electrical codes. I know NYC has thier own version also.

Matt T.

Having spent some time in Mass, I can tell you that Texas is different from the northeast when it comes to regulations. I'm building my house in an unincorporated area so there is no city code to follow. In Texas, the state doesn't give the county authority to regulate unincorporated areas. The only inspection/permit I had to get was from the county health department for the septic system. Still, NEC guidelines where followed. Really, it makes not sense not to follow basic NEC codes.

 

[schmism]

i harken back to a more simplified time of 2 prong plugs

with no ground you expect the nutral on the right.... (the long slot)

this convetion would put the ground on the top...

but i install ground down....

 

[caver]

Is there a proper orientation for NEMA 5-15 outlets?

No.
You can even orient them horizontal.

 

[Iowachild]

No.
You can even orient them horizontal.

BINGO!

You can also put them in the floor!

 

[Jagmandave]

FWIW, I put them ground down in housing, ground up in industrial settings.............no, I don't know why!

I do know that I've always seen them ground pin down in homes, and the plant I work in has all the 120V recptacle ground pin up - so that's what I do........

 

[GaryBDavis]

No.
You can even orient them horizontal.

So does the ground pin go to the left or right?