? does the Gnd. pole of a 120-VAC duplex receptacle go above, or below the power & nutral ports ?
Answers:
The new national electric code says the ground pole is above the hot and neutral poles only.
Other answers:
normally code has the ground pin below the hot and neutral so it kinda looks like a face
normally code has the ground pin below the hot and neutral so it kinda looks like a face
below
The National Electrical Manufacturers Associaton (NEMA)consensus standards list them to be installed with the grounding terminal on top. If you look at the pictures on installation instructions, you will find it shown this way. The intent is that if anything falls downward along the wall and contacts a partially loose cord cap in the receptacle, it will more likely hit the ground first, rather than the ungrounded (live) prong. They may not look as attractive this way, but this is the correct way to install them. Also, if a cord is stepped on, the face of the receptacle is less likely to chip off. When installed with the ground facing down, this kind of strain usually results in the receptacle face below the ground hole breaking off. Receptacles damaged in this way can be picked up as defective by inspectors if you go to sell the house.
Also, if you ever mount one sideways, the ground goes to the left for the same reason.