TOPIC: Electrical wall outlets upside down

How would you write up electrical wall oulets that are installed in a new condothat is 7 years old? Is there any new codes that allow that? I mean every last one of the out lets are upside down in the Condo!

Hi Fred,

If polarity, grounding, and no other deficenies are noted, I would still insert a digital photo and make note of it in your report.  Also-pay attention to the "screws" attaching the cover plates. Good electrians are proud of their work; they will make all the screws on cover plates the same direction; either horizontal or vertical.  When cover plate screws are on an angle, or in every different direction, it's an amatuer.

Same with electic panels.  Neat wiring is the sign of a pro.  It will give you confidence on what was done in the electrical system that is not visible.

The orientation of receptacles is a convention, not a requirement.  It is very common in my area for switched receptacles to be installed "upside down" to indicate it is a switched receptacle. 

Before you report as wrong, find a NEC requirement that they must be installed "smiley face" orientation.

Orientation of the screw slots being the same thorughout a home is just fanatical obsession.  It has no positive effect on the funtion of the electrical system.  Who looks at the orientation of coverplate screws?  I am just happy to see cover plates.

Fred, that is not wrong.  Back in the days that is how it was done.  Old school electricians still do that with the ground on top.  The reason behind it was that if a chain. bracelet, paperclip or any type of conductor was to fall on a plug cord that was only partially inserted then it would hit the ground first, then the hot terminal below it and trip the breaker.  Back in my youngedr years we used to do it and see it all the time.

Bruce....I guess upside down doors are ok with you....they still function fine. I mentioned how to spot quality work. Glad your'e only happy to spot cover plates. Chicago has the toughest electrical standard in the country. Sorry...I grew up with a family of EE and electrical contracting and sales distributors...they will have a good laugh at you're post

Thanks everyone that was my first experience with that sitution.