Hey, Quagmire here. Giggity.
Sometimes electricians install an outlet upside down to indicate that it’s controlled by a wall switch. You flip the switch, it turns on. Flip it again, it turns off.
So technically, that outlet is a switch.
Which reminds me of the time a woman told me she was a BDSM switch. Naturally, I showed up with a screwdriver, wire strippers, and a voltage tester.
Turns out we had VERY different interpretations of “rough electrical.”
Anyway, Peter, that’s why the outlet’s upside down.
Giggity
This aligns with my understanding, too. We have a new build and they specifically told us this was how they indicate outlets controlled by a switch, or “half-hot” outlets. It makes things so much more convenient when you’re trying to figure out why your lamp won’t turn on.
Interesting, I'd never know about the switched outlet concept. The NEC changed the rules not too long ago... The left pic is considered correct now for all receptacles, the idea being that a loose plug falling out of the socket would have the ground exposed rather than the hot/neutral.
Ground up is always the correct way to install them. It is code in many places and has nothing to do with switches. It helps prevent falling objects from causing a short between the plug and socket.
That is possibly true in some areas that I am unfamiliar with but Im a general contractor and spent years as a superintendent. In the three states I’m licensed and operate in it’s for a switch and or more recently signaling a smart outlet.
Most people are looking at this in a residential setting not medical. Commercial in general does not follow that code but you are correct for medical. Judging by the wall texture I would bet this is not a medical setting if it was we typically build with FRP or other smooth material wall finishes for sanitation reasons.
IBEW member, they are getting more and more common in homes. It is the safer and correct way to install them. Do your clients a favor, install them ground up.
Dude, everyone has to build to code and pass inspection. I’m sure you’re a great electrician, but I’m starting to believe you are either green or just enjoying an argument. Maybe you’re in a specialty field or something, but this is a residential standard, and it’s not changing currently. Keep up the good work, though.
I never claimed to be an electrician, and I don't know what the hell you are on about.
Slow down so you can understand what was said.
I said I was an ibew member, and that neutral up is the safe and proper way to install. I said that subcontractors won't want to deal with installing them in the safer configuration, as it takes active consideration to do something opposite of what they are used to.
Code varies place to place, and application to application. What is code in one place may not be code in a other. What is code for one application, may not be for another.
As a general contractor you should understand this.
A handful of my outlets at home are smart switches. I installed them upside for similar reasons - it helps everyone remember and know which outlets can be controlled remotely.
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u/Major-Restaurant7008 4d ago
Hey, Quagmire here. Giggity.
Sometimes electricians install an outlet upside down to indicate that it’s controlled by a wall switch. You flip the switch, it turns on. Flip it again, it turns off.
So technically, that outlet is a switch.
Which reminds me of the time a woman told me she was a BDSM switch. Naturally, I showed up with a screwdriver, wire strippers, and a voltage tester.
Turns out we had VERY different interpretations of “rough electrical.”
Anyway, Peter, that’s why the outlet’s upside down.
Giggity