Proper Wiring
The orientation of the receptacle doesn’t tell you whether it’s wired correctly.
A receptacle can look perfectly normal from the outside and still have a wiring problem.
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That’s why electrical safety is about much more than which hole is on top.
What Is That Third Hole For?
If you’ve ever wondered about the rounded hole in a standard three-prong receptacle, that’s the grounding connection. CompareHome Electronics
A typical grounded receptacle has:
Two slots for the energized and neutral conductors
One grounding opening
The grounding system provides an intentional path for fault current under certain fault conditions.
That can help protective devices operate and reduce the risk of electrical shock when the electrical system is properly installed.
And that little third opening is exactly why the orientation of the receptacle catches your eye.
What About the Ground Pin
