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Sparky3000 · Jul 24, 2008, 11:07 PM

Does the code have any stipulations on ground up or ground down? If so Prove it. An I am not talking about local ordinances nor the authority having jurisdiction. Simply the NEC.

Credendovidis · Jul 24, 2008, 11:17 PM

Here is free access to the NEC code book, so you can read all about your question free of charge.
Just click and sign in here as "all others", and the NEC code book is yours !

:)

tkrussell · Jul 25, 2008, 02:36 AM

Don't bother looking, you will not find any reference to which way a receptacle needs to be oriented.

Years ago ,the code did require the ground port be on top in medical facilities only.

The reasoning was in the event a metal object were to fall onto a plug that was not inserted completely, the metal object would hit the ground prong first, and not cause any sparks. I believe this was due to the highly flammable anesthesia that was used back then.

Since large union contractors typically did the hospital work, this practice of the ground on top filtered out into other jobs, and is still done by many contractors as a standard.

Otherwise , there is no specific requirement by any code.

stanfortyman · Jul 25, 2008, 04:21 AM

Sparky, you've been in the trade 16 years and you are asking this question??

Is this just a post to spur conversation?

If you've been around you'd know that this is just about the most contentious issue going.
TK gave you the perfect answer to the question.

What are you going to ask next, if we pre-twist wires when using wire nuts?? :eek: :rolleyes:

donf · Jul 25, 2008, 07:01 AM

Stan,

Speaking of pre-twisting wires, do you really need to put them into the cap. Can't they be scotch taped together? :)

DC Kelley · Jul 25, 2008, 11:16 AM

Here is a similar thread on another board.
Outlet position, ground up or down? N.J. [Archive] - Mike Holt's Forum

I'm not a code expert (I'm an IEEE) but I believe NEC is purposefully silent on that topic. I have always heard the basic story that tkrussel relates.

Sparky3000 · Jul 26, 2008, 07:05 AM

Yes this was to spur conversation... :) I know the code is silent on this, however you guys have no idea I have been asked this question... :eek:

Sparky3000 · Jul 26, 2008, 07:05 AM

I'm sure you guys have been too...

Washington1 · Jul 26, 2008, 09:29 AM

The question asked is always in debate.

The simple and correct answer is what TK gave.

Position it however (Up or down)you want. End of it!!

I'm so sick of hearing this topic!!

KISS · Jul 26, 2008, 11:21 AM

What about the ground prong to the right ot left? Does the duplex outlet have to be installed such that the single outlets stack on top of one another?

stanfortyman · Jul 26, 2008, 11:53 AM

Thanks for the cute comment XxRoosterXx. If you had a CLUE you'd know what this issue is all about.
Unless you know what you are talking about keep your comments to yourself!

donf · Jul 26, 2008, 07:15 PM

Several centuries ago I asked this very same question. When I asked why, I was told, "Because I said so!"

stanfortyman · Jul 26, 2008, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by donf

When I asked why, I was told, "Because I said so!"

There's no better reason. :D

Sparky3000 · Jul 29, 2008, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

There's no better reason. :D

I think I'll use that answer next time too!! :D

Sparky3000 · Jul 29, 2008, 08:22 AM

Hey Guys, have you guys been dealing much with the IRC??

Washington1 · Jul 29, 2008, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by Sparky3000

Hey Guys, have you guys been dealing much with the IRC????

Yes. Why?