Why Some Wall Outlets Are Installed Upside Down

pointing.

 

That’s why you shouldn’t assume:

 

Ground hole on top = safer

Ground hole on

bottom = unsafe

 

It’s not quite that simple.

 

The condition of the wiring and the protection provided by the electrical system matter far more than the visual orientation of the receptacle.

 

What Do the Different Outlet Openings Mean?

If you’ve never thought much about the individual openings, here’s a quick refresher.

 

The Narrow Slots

On a standard polarized receptacle, the two vertical openings aren’t necessarily identical.

 

One is associated with the hot conductor and the other with the neutral conductor.

 

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The wider slot is generally the neutral side, while the narrower slot is generally the hot side.

 

The Round Opening

The round opening is for the grounding connection. CompareHome Electronics

 

The grounding system provides a path intended

There’s more to discover. Continue to the next page for the rest of this article.