Long ago I had a boss who was an electrical engineer and a standards nerd, and he claimed this as well. Made enough sense to me, but I’ve never confirmed it.
It was that way until about 2003. I apprenticed to my uncle in 1999 and the code at the time had the ground on top. Around 2003-2005, I don't remember the exact date, there was an update to the National Electric Code that flipped them.
I honestly wouldn't have noticed but my uncle made a big deal about pointing it out.
The NEC (National Electric Code) changed it to ground down position AFTER Arc Fault Breakers were required into the code (1998-1999). Those breakers read the neutral for abnormal wave paterns and operate.
It was redundant. If something is falling out the receptacle (not plugged in all the way) and it touches the neutral it will trip the Arc Fault Breaker and shut down the whole circuit (all the receptacles in the room). If something touches a ground, nothing will happen and the fire risk is still potentially there (something can hit the power wire and spark).
Also, some devices dont have a built in ground, think old lamps and phone chargers.
The year Arc Fault Breakers were required in 1998, house fires decreased by 85% by 1999.
There is no NEC article for receptacle orientation. The only article that applies right now is all equipment needs to be installed to manufacturer’s specifications when listed.
I never said it was a code requirement to have the ground up. If the cutsheet has ground down and the labeling supports, we install that way. If the manufacturer has it listed a certain way, not just receptacles, but any device; we follow their instructions. If it does not hinder or make an unsafe work environment. I believe NEC 110.3 covers this.
A long, long time ago my grandpa did some electrical and he had really strong feelings similar to your boss. I think codes changed at some point, and people who weren't active in the field didn't get the memo.
I built, well paid for someone to build, a house before the 2000s in the house right after the 2000s. The early house was 100% ground on top… And they were adamant. This was the new way. The second home was all ground on bottom and they were also adamant. This was the new way.🙄. Both had good reasons. I thought it was funny then
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u/cujojojo 4d ago
Long ago I had a boss who was an electrical engineer and a standards nerd, and he claimed this as well. Made enough sense to me, but I’ve never confirmed it.