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.
Can receptacle outlets be installed horizontally?
Orient the receptacle box horizontally against the wall in the desired spot. Click to see full answer. Herein, can electrical outlets be installed sideways? The electrical code allows outlets to be installed with the ground plug hole facing up, down or sideways.
Can electrical outlets be installed sideways?
Accordingly, can electrical outlets be installed sideways? 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.
Does it matter if you install an outlet with a ground hole?
While it’s a topic heavily debated among electricians, the bottom line is, it doesn’t matter if you install the outlet with the ground hole up or down—technically. The electric code doesn’t require a certain direction. But that’s not where this topic ends.
Where should outlets be placed in bathroom walls?
Outlet Spacing in Bathrooms On bathroom walls, there must a receptacle at least within 3 feet of the outside edge of the sink basin. Generally, it is desirable to install the outlet above the countertop. But the code's 3-foot designation provides leeway in case this is not possible or practical.
Can electrical outlets be installed sideways?
Electrical receptacles can be mounted sideways wherever space is an issue. Turn off the power at the service panel. Check the wires with the circuit tester to be sure the power is off. Orient the receptacle box horizontally against the wall in the desired spot.Sep 26, 2017
How do you install an outlet sideways?
1:224:09How To Install a Receptacle or Outlet Sideways or Horizontally - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMaking sure that you're making sure that the neutral terminal is facing up so you're going to wantMoreMaking sure that you're making sure that the neutral terminal is facing up so you're going to want to face your ground prongs to the left so ground prongs to the left. And you will be good to go.
Why do people put outlets sideways?
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.Jan 5, 2020
How do I change an outlet from vertical to horizontal?
0:281:47Rotating Plug - 360 Wall Outlet Adapter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's called 360 revolution. And you can go to your local hardware store. And order and the outlet isMoreIt's called 360 revolution. And you can go to your local hardware store. And order and the outlet is very easy to connect you would remove your old outlet.
Why are outlets upside down in hospitals?
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.Feb 2, 2006
What is code for installing electrical outlets?
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.
Which way should a 3 prong outlet be installed?
The outlet should be oriented with the ground pin up because if the plug comes slightly loose and a metal object were to fall from above, the ground plug, which usually does not carry current, would deflect the object so that it would not hit is live prongs.Apr 3, 2009
Why is there so much debate about electrical outlets?
The main reason there is so much debate is because electricians rely on the type of equipment that will be plugged in to determine the orientation of the electrical outlet.
Does it matter if you install an outlet with the ground hole up or down?
While it’s a topic heavily debated among electricians, the bottom line is, it doesn’t matter if you install the outlet with the ground hole up or down—technically. The electric code doesn’t require a certain direction. But that’s not where this topic ends.
horizontal outlets above countertops?
Do you have horizontal outlets? Do you like them? How far from the countertop is the BOTTOM of the outlet? Electrician is coming tomorrow and I have to tell him where the bottom of the outlet goes.
Comments (9)
Behind our sink, because there's a window, our horizontal outlets are just above counter height. In other places they are just below the upper cabs, so finish at 54" above the floor. That way they are mostly out of sight and don't interfere with the backsplashes too much, while still being handy to use.
How far apart should outlets be in a kitchen?
Outlet Spacing 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.
How many outlets are needed in a 10 foot wall?
Again, you are allowed to place an outlet in this space if you so choose. Hallways more than 10 feet long must have at least one electrical outlet, preferably at the mid-point.
How many amps does a general purpose outlet need?
General-purpose outlet receptacles should have a rating that is appropriate for the amperage of the circuit they serve. Generally, these household circuits will provide 15-amps or 20-amps of service, and the outlet receptacle rating should not exceed this amperage. Check the circuit's breaker in the service panel to find out whether it is 15 amp ...
How far away from an electrical outlet should a lamp be?
This spacing is chosen so that a lamp, computer, television, or other appliance will never be more than 6 feet away from an electrical outlet.
What is a tamper resistant outlet?
In tamper-resistant outlets, a spring-loaded gate within the outlet prevents young children from pushing objects such as knives into the outlet slots.
Do residential outlets have to follow the NEC?
Most, but not all, follow the recommendations of the national model code, the NEC.
Do you need a tamper resistant outlet receptacle?
Tamper-resistant outlet receptacles are usually are not required: For outlets located 66 inches or more above the floor. For outlets behind large appliances that are difficult to move (such as a refrigerator) For outlets that are part of a light fixture or appliance.
