Why Some Wall Outlets Are Installed Upside Down
Have you ever noticed an electrical outlet that seemed to be installed upside down?
Most North American receptacles are commonly seen with the two vertical slots above the rounded grounding opening. But occasionally you’ll find one installed the opposite way, with the ground opening on top.
It may look like an installation mistake, but it isn’t necessarily one.
A standard receptacle can generally function in either orientation when it is properly installed. Rotating the receptacle doesn’t reverse the electricity or change which contact is hot, neutral or ground.
So why do electricians sometimes install them ground-up?