Joe, The original wiring / Left diagram was done correctly. You are not switching the neutral in a two wire circuit if the Hot is switched before it gets to the plug. i.e. "the hot socket would be the small prong..." That's how it is supposed to be. If there is no ground at the source a connection at the load to Earth / ground rod may create more problems than it will ever cure. Ground pin on top or bottom is unimportant. However the relationship of small slot to ground pin is a NEMA standard and included in NEC Handbook. The confusion is that the receptacle is upside down to some installers. SOLUTION. Install the devices with the switch on the bottom and everything will be just fine. :-) Note: The supply house is currently out of the ones with the switch on the bottom :-) Alan
