Here we go again . . . It wasn’t long ago I posted a picture of a workbench with a surface-mounted receptacle pointing “up.” The view of this forum was that such was a violation of the “counter top” rule. Thus, I was surprised to visit my local phone company only to see office furniture (including desks) that had factory-installed receptacles pointing “up.” Violation? Maybe not. The 2023 NEC (406.5) makes a distinction between a “work surface” and a “countertop.” What’s the difference? Work surfaces assume the worst spill you’ll have is a cup of coffee; countertops are expected to see much larger spills. UL has separate classifications for the two uses. Note the NEC is addressing “flush mounted” receptacles. We’re someone to mount a 4-square box or outlet strip to the surface with the receptacles pointed up, the restrictions of 406.5 don’t apply. I suppose we’ll next be inundated by advocates insisting that upward-pointed receptacles mush have their ground prongs on the east side
I never thought about it but in most cases, you are right, terminal strips are usually placed with the receptacle pointing up. I haven't really seen mounted boxes on work surfaces but I have seen them with the tombstones. That seems sufficient for avoiding spilled coffee and other things falling in the holes. I think if I was going to use a box I would get a stud mount and use it with the receptacles on the side but a Bell Box might be more aesthetically pleasing.
