Community Forums

f14av8r · 05-16-2019, 04:46 AM

Hi Everyone,
This one's a head scratcher. I just bought a new 2020 Wayfarer RW. Every electrical outlet in the coach is upside down. I checked other units on the lot, same thing. Is this intentional?

By upside down, I mean that the center ground lug on the plug is on the top instead of on the bottom. I've never seen that done before. I suspect it's for some good reason but nobody I've talked to knows.
Thanks,
Randy

xrated · 05-16-2019, 04:53 AM

They aren't up side down, that's the correct way to install them. The reason behind that is if an electrical item is plugged into the receptacle, and for some reason the plug became partial unplugged and something fell down on the plug that was metal, the first point of contact would most likely be the ground prong. If it were turned the other way, writhe the hot and neutral on top and that same item feel, more likelihood it could short across the two blades.

Winemaker2 · 05-16-2019, 04:55 AM

I've seen them both ways and my contractor buddy tells me ground lug up is fairly std in commercial installations.
theory I have heard is that if a metal cover plate comes loose and slips down it hits ground not short between hot / neutral??
I'd be interested to hear from others in the know.

f14av8r · 05-16-2019, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

I've seen them both ways and my contractor buddy tells me ground lug up is fairly std in commercial installations.
theory I have heard is that if a metal cover plate comes loose and slips down it hits ground not short between hot / neutral??
I'd be interested to hear from others in the know.

Makes sense and it's certainly not a big deal but I've never seen that is a residential installation for sure!

allegro1x · 05-16-2019, 05:14 AM

Their bilt in Alabama what do you expect? Dave

alv3769 · 05-16-2019, 05:29 AM

it is correct that there is no up or down with outlets and they can be put in either way, being an electrician for 45 years I have had places that wanted them ground up and places that wanted ground down. in the national electrical code there is no mention of a right way to install an outlet.

DeWat · 05-16-2019, 05:36 AM

While I have no idea on the up verses down, I have always wondered why the newer style 20-amp outlets (https://www.howtogeek.com/266589/the...in-your-house/) seems be always be ground up.

JPeterson · 05-16-2019, 05:39 AM

I agree with xrated. I learned this in college many years ago. Don't know why ground up is not a common practice.

rockriver · 05-16-2019, 05:47 AM

i added on a small apartment..
a neighbor was an old electrician... real old.

my house was built 25 years ago... ground plug down.

electrician insisted on putting ground plug up!! he mentioned codes and some of the explanations above...
so we did -- ground plugs up!

cavie · 05-16-2019, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xrated

They aren't up side down, that's the correct way to install them. The reason behind that is if an electrical item is plugged into the receptacle, and for some reason the plug became partial unplugged and something fell down on the plug that was metal, the first point of contact would most likely be the ground prong. If it were turned the other way, writhe the hot and neutral on top and that same item feel, more likelihood it could short across the two blades.

And the flip side of that thinking is that if the plug was to become loose then the ground would be the first to not have contact leaving power on the plug with no ground attached. Truth is there is no right way. It all depends on what part of the country you live in. Kinda like eating BBQ sauce. The NEC does not address the issue. 95% of pictures you see of receptacles have the ground down. Go to Amazon and have a look.

cavie · 05-16-2019, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockriver

i added on a small apartment..
a neighbor was an old electrician... real old.

my house was built 25 years ago... ground plug down.

electrician insisted on putting ground plug up!! he mentioned codes and some of the explanations above...
so we did -- ground plugs up!

There is no code.

KanzKran · 05-16-2019, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alv3769

it is correct that there is no up or down with outlets and they can be put in either way, being an electrician for 45 years I have had places that wanted them ground up and places that wanted ground down. in the national electrical code there is no mention of a right way to install an outlet.

What he said. Cavie, too. Sideways is also legal.

On a trades and engineering only electrical forum I frequent (DIYers get bounced), in fact, that question will get you whacked upside the head. It's a Ford/Chevy (or diesel/gasser) type subject, and the mere mention is like you walked in with a dog park on your shoes.

cavie · 05-16-2019, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

I've seen them both ways and my contractor buddy tells me ground lug up is fairly std in commercial installations.
theory I have heard is that if a metal cover plate comes loose and slips down it hits ground not short between hot / neutral??
I'd be interested to hear from others in the know.

If it comes loose it's falling on the floor. It is physically impossible for it to fall behind the Receptical.

bruceisla · 05-16-2019, 05:56 AM

I have seen (experienced) "ground up" installations in homes ... they indicated "switched - controlled" outlets. Typically a wall switch at entry and an associated floor/table lamp outlet. Installer's choice.