Why are hospital outlets upside down? 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.
What does it mean when an outlet is upside down?
In residential homes, it is common to have large rooms with a switched outlet, meaning that one or both of the receptacles is actually operated by a switch. Electricians may position the outlet in an upside-down position so that you can quickly identify the switch-controlled receptacle.
Why do hospitals install oxygen receptacles upside down?
Hospitals install receptacles upside down, likely to avoid any arcing in a room with oxygen in use.
Why are power cords in hospitals installed upside down?
My father asked the question to hospital staff and they told him they are installed upside down as in that position the “face” is not apparent and so they will not disturb the mental patients. The reason is safety. As cords will do on occasion, they will begin to work themselves loose, pulling away from the receptacle.
Are outlets supposed to be up or down?
It is actually common to see outlets in all four configurations (ground up, left, right or down) depending on the application. Many kitchens will have the outlets ‘sideways’ above the counter-tops. Many outlet receptacle manufacturers recommend installing the electrical outlet in the position that so many consider ‘upside down.’
What is the purpose of upside down outlets?
Easier to Identify Switched Outlets 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.
Should outlets be installed upside down?
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. One way isn't safer than the other — as long as the outlet is wired correctly.
Can you use the red outlets in hospitals?
The red outlets (sometimes referred to as sockets) in hospitals and medical facilities indicate that they are on emergency backup power. The bright red color helps nurses, doctors, and hospital staff quickly and clearly identify where to plug in critical equipment during an emergency situation.
Why do plugs have 2 holes in the ends?
These bumps fit into the holes so that the outlet can grip the plug's prongs more firmly. This detenting prevents the plug from slipping out of the socket due to the weight of the plug and cord. It also improves the contact between the plug and the outlet.
Why are some electric receptacle outlets upside down (ground slot up ...
Should the ground prong be on top or bottom? - Quora
Why do I put my plugs upside down?
So, why put the plugs upside down? The best answer I could find was on a message board for electricians, where one contractor suggests putting the ground pin facing up for this reason: if the plug isn't all the way into the wall (so that some of the metal parts of the plug are exposed) and you happen to drop something metal onto the exposed parts of the plug, it would be best for the dropped object to contact the ground pin (causing no damage) than the current-carrying blades (potentially causing a short-circuit).
Why do you need a ground pin on a plug?
The two blades carry the current, and the pin is the 'ground'. The ground pin only carries current when there is a fault in the system. A fault is when something disrupts the usual flow of electricity through the circuit -- if one of the wires gets damaged, or something metal touches an exposed wire. In situations like that, the ground pin will carry the extra current away from the fault and to the ground (literally) which should prevent all the current from going into the fork that you're holding. This is why the 3-prong plugs are safer than the 2-prong variety, and also why you tend to see them in devices that are used outside, or around water, or in hospitals, which are all places where some moisture is likely to get into the device, causing a fault, and potentially giving a nasty shock to anyone who happens to be touching the device.
Can you get shocks from touching a 3 prong plug?
Also, even 3-prong plugs won't always save you, you can still get some rather nasty shocks just from touching the insula ted plastic around a 3-prong outlet. 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.
What is an outlet in electrical?
Thanks to Mark Bertacchi, a Master Electrician, for the way he words this: “An outlet is the point where the building wiring method exits the wall, ceiling or floor and is usually terminated in a box - thus the term ‘outlet box’.”
Why are ground pins on top of power outlets?
The ground pins of the power outlet is on top to ensure that anything metalic that may drop along the outlet will hit the ground pin first..
Why should a receptacle be oriented with the ground pin down?
An alternate argument proposed by some is that the receptacle should be oriented with the ground pin down because a person grabbing the plug will have their index finger at the bottom side of the plug and the index finger sticks out further than the thumb. Having the ground down will keep a person's index finger from touching the live pins. Another argument for ground pin down is that if something drops down and hits the plug, the ground pin will be the last thing to lose contact.
What is an outlet in NEC?
Outlet is defined in 2017 NEC Article 100 as “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.” Information in the 2017 NEC Handbook goes on to say “The term outlet is frequently misused to refer to receptacles. Although receptacle outlets are outlets, not all outlets are receptacles outlets. Other common examples of outlets include lighting outlets and smoke alarm outlets”
What is an outlet in a receptacle?
Outlets are the things that receptacles are placed in. I want you to know the terminology that the governing code uses - but you can call them whatever you want.
Why do hospitals use plug in carts?
It’s because most plug in loads in hospitals are on movable carts. It allows cords to be extended an extra foot or so that would not be available if they were pointed down. It also allows the cord can be readily coiled and stored on the carts without reversing direction which is necessary if the ground is on the bottom.
What is the most common mounting orientation for receptacles?
By far the most common mounting orientation in the US for such receptacles mounted in walls is vertical, ground pin down.
Why do electrical outlets have to be upside down?
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.
Where is the correct position of an electrical outlet?
Have you ever noticed what you consider an anomaly in your home or office? Are the electrical outlets ‘upside down’? Like most people, you probably think that the correct position of an electrical outlet receptacle is with the two vertical slots located at the top and the round ground hole directly below. In reality (and barring a few local code exceptions), there is no correct position!
What happens if a metal plug falls on a ground pin?
In the ground pin down configuration, if a metal object were to fall on a loose plug – the object will more easily contact the positive and negative pins causing a short and possible fire. Imagine for a moment a loose plug sticking partially out of the electrical socket behind a cabinet.
What happens if a ground pin is up?
If the ground pin were up, there is less of a chance of creating such a condition.
Is there a correct way to install an electrical outlet?
Correct Position of the Electrical Outlet. It’s actually a little surprising to learn that there is no ‘correct’ way to install an electrical outlet. It is actually common to see outlets in all four configurations (ground up, left, right or down) depending on the application. Many kitchens will have the outlets ‘sideways’ above the counter-tops.
Is it safer to ground a cord down or up?
For certain applications, ground pin down is actually safer or better since many appliances, such as refrigerators, have the cord extend towards the ground pin. Such applications are safer when the cord is not stressed in the opposite direction of gravity.
Is it better to put an outlet upside down or upside down?
Many people believe that an electrical outlet installed upside down will have a better gripping ability. This is somewhat true due to the geometry differences in a plug installed with the ground up or down, however, it’s unlikely that this is the reason for an outlet to be installed one way versus the other. For certain applications, ground pin down is actually safer or better since many appliances, such as refrigerators, have the cord extend towards the ground pin. Such applications are safer when the cord is not stressed in the opposite direction of gravity.
Why do hospitals put their oxygen receptacles upside down?
Hospitals install receptacles upside down, likely to avoid any arcing in a room with oxygen in use. Conversely, the argument against an upside down receptacle is that if the the cord is tugged out and downward (the usual way it happens), the ground can become disconnected with the cord still “live,” resulting in an ungrounded appliance ...
What happens if you put a metal cord upside down?
If a piece of metal drops down onto a slightly-loose cord plugged into an upside down receptacle, the metal will only contact the ground slot. But it will cause a short, with possible arcing and sparks, when the hot and neutral are on top. Hospitals install receptacles upside down, likely to avoid any arcing in a room with oxygen in use.
Can you leave a receptacle alone?
There is no NEC (National Electric Code) violation either way. So have it flipped if it bothers you but, otherwise, you can just leave it alone.
Is there a code for an upside down receptacle?
Monday, July 9, 2018. While it is standard to have the ground slot on the bottom, there is no code requirement for it. There are three possible reasons for an upside down receptacle: Some electricians install a receptacle that is controlled by a switch upside down, as an easy way to indicate which receptacles in a room are switched.
Why do cords pull away from a receptacle?
In this condition, half in-half out, the metal prongs are exposed to contact. Now picture this scenario; a thin metal tray, tool, clipboard, etc. falls from above and hits the prongs.
Why should the ground pin be down?
I believe the ground pin should be down because if the plug starts to work its way out from weight on the cord, the first thing to disconnect will be the power and that all important ground will be last to go thereby providing its protection until no longer needed because the power has disconnected first.
What happens when an object falls on a connector?
With “right side up” boxes, the hot and neutral pins rest on top, and an object falling on the connectors will touch these posts first, creating a short and electrical arc.
Do Glades plugs have to be on the bottom?
Its pretty much the preference of the electrician which way they install them. I do some electrical work and I agree the ground plug should always be on the bottom. Most things like glades plugins and certain chargers are designed with the ground on the bottom. The only time I flip them the other way is if Im working on a house or building that has already has outlets with the ground up and I want them to match what is already in the house. There is nothing in the electrical building codes that says you have to install them one way or the other
Why are hospital receptacles upside down?
Additionally, why are hospital receptacles upside down? 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.
What is a red outlet?
Red outlets are for battery backed power - critical equipment for life support should be connected to these, but non critical equipment shoul not that would use up battery power.
What is hospital grade receptacle?
In addition to complying with the general use requirements, hospital grade receptacles are specially designed and are subject to additional requirements of the standards. These include additional grounding reliability, assembly integrity, strength and durability.
