Hospitals Often Use This Orientation
One of the places where upside-down outlets are especially common is hospitals.
Medical equipment is plugged in and unplugged constantly. Patient safety is the highest priority, so every detail matters.
Some hospitals install outlets with the grounding hole facing upward to reduce the chance that a conductive object could bridge the energized
plug blades if a plug becomes partially disconnected.
In environments where lives depend on reliable electrical systems, even small improvements in safety are taken seriously.
Although building codes may vary, this orientation has become familiar in many healthcare settings.
Commercial Buildings Follow Similar Practices
see continuation on next page
Commercial Buildings Follow Similar Practices
Many offices, laboratories, schools, and industrial facilities also use ground-up outlets.
