Should the grounding prong on a receptacle be positioned up or down and is this

Jerry P · #1 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008, 11:30 AM

refered to in the NEC.?

FLoridian``~ · #2 (**permalink**) 06-27-2008, 08:45 PM

Mine all appear to be installed down, under the two regular prongs. Here in Florida, elec. codes are very strict.

quik66gto · #3 (**permalink**) 06-28-2008, 05:46 AM

Ground DOWN. If I remember correctly, this is so in the event that as a cord becomes dislodged the last thing to come loose is the ground.

bvbvjk in Ral. NC · #4 (**permalink**) 06-29-2008, 02:55 AM

There are no requirements under the National Electrical Code as to the position of the receptacle, ground up or down. Article 406.4 E only requires installation that is not a "face-up" position on countertops or similar work surfaces. Some people suggest that when metal cover plates are installed that the ground pin faces up, to prevent arcing if the plate falls across exposed plug blades. UL standards require the grounding connection be the first to make and the last to break, leading some to believe the ground pin should face down, and thereby disconnecting last when the cord is pulled down by gravity.