Originally posted by sparky:
It's actually highly debated, that's why we are curious. So is it a 'code' to install them in the manner you descibe ??
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No, there's nothing in the I.E.E. Regs. to say earth should be at the top.
However, all of our 3-pin plugs are the type that I think you would refer to as right-angle caps, i.e. the cord emerges downward rather than outward, so any other orientaion seems awkward.
Another point is that the majority of our outlets fitted in homes have built-in switches mounted on the upper portion of the wall plate, so fitting outlets the "wrong" way would put the switches below the plugs and have them operating upside down (from the British point of view, that is!).
Very occasionally you might see sockets mounted sideways in a tight spot, and I have seen a couple upside down, but it's very rare.
By the way, our "twin" sockets (i.e. a duplex) are side by side instead of one above the other.
What proportion of U.S. receptacles would you say are fitted each way?
