an installation depends on the receptacle, plug, equipment, wiring, environment, and applicable electrical requirements.
Ground-Up vs. Ground-Down: Which Is Safer?
This is where the answer gets a little less exciting—but much more accurate.
There isn’t one universal orientation that makes every residential receptacle safer.
You’ll find electricians and electrical professionals who prefer ground-up installation for certain applications, while others commonly install receptacles ground-down.
The important thing is that the receptacle is properly installed, grounded where required, and compliant with the applicable electrical code and manufacturer instructions.
The National Electrical Code
