Hospital Outlets Upside Down - What Does An Upside Down Outlet Indicate?

Easier to Identify Switched Outlets Electricians may position the outlet in an upside-down position so that you can quickly identify the switch-controlled receptacle. Since it stands out visually to most people right away – it provides convenience to the occupants to easily remember which outlet is switch controlled.

What is an upside down outlet called?

To Identify a Switch-Controlled Outlet Some electricians will turn this outlet receptacle upside down as a quick visual cue to indicate a switch-controlled receptacle. If your home has only one or two upside-down outlets, this may have been done as a means of identifying switch-controlled outlets.

Are outlets supposed to be upside down?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) doesn't require a certain direction. The NEC allows outlets to be installed with the ground plug hole facing up, down or sideways. It's up to you, there is no standard electric outlet orientation. So that means there really is no such thing as upside down outlets.