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.