Can you install an outlet 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.

Why are some electrical outlets installed 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.

Will an outlet work if wired backwards?

This makes things like lamps and many appliances more safe to operate. But here’s the catch: If you connect the circuit wires to the wrong terminals on an outlet, the outlet will still work but the polarity will be backward.

Can a receptacle be mounted face up?

Receptacles, unless listed as receptacle assemblies for countertop applications, shall not be installed in a face-up position in countertops or similar work surfaces.

Can I install outlets horizontally?

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.

Why are there upside-down electrical outlets in my home?

If your home has only one or two upside-down outlets, this may have been done as a means of identifying switch-controlled outlets. Some people believe that this upside-down position reduces the possibility of electrical shock.

Are electrical outlets supposed to be at the top or bottom?

Most people think of electrical outlet receptacles as being properly installed when the two vertical slots are at the top, with the round grounding hole at the bottom. You may, though, see many installations that seem “upside-down,” where the round grounding hole is at the top, with the vertical hot and neutral slots at the bottom.

Should you mount your electrical outlets ground slot up?

If you find your upside-down outlet to be visually disturbing, or if you feel that one of the above reasons is a good reason to mount them ground-slot-up, it is quite easy to change the orientation. It will cost you nothing to do so.

Does it matter which direction an outlet is installed?

No, this does not matter much, though there are some trivial differences. With electrical outlets, there is no top or bottom. It does not make much of a difference if they are installed in either direction. Unlike light switches, outlets work equally in either position.