Upside-Down 110 V wall receptacle! And Backstabbers!

[Dax949]

According to the NEC, there isn't any specification on the orientation of 110 Volt wall receptacles (but I think they ought to make the determination) so we see them right-side up and upside down all over the place. It's really an aggravation to try to plug into one behind a table or curtain when you can't see which way someone has installed it. Grrrrr

Another thing is the "Backstab" receptacle! These things should never have been UL approved! If you've got a couple of dead receptacles in your room, chances are good it's because of one of these:

After a few years of passing current, the spring clips get weak from thermal tension and they often won't hold the wires securely which can also cause heat to create a dangerous situation at the point of contact. Grrrrr

 

[tiredretired]

Ground up is generally considered the common sense way to install an outlet. Generally outlets are installed around 18" or so off the floor. As one bends over to plug something into the outlet, "generally" the ground wire will be the first to make contact adding to the margin of safety.

As for the backstab outlets, these were instituted for the DIY crowd. Most project specifications will outlaw their use in commercial applications. Industrial applications where 20A is used they are non existent.

 

[FrancSevin]

I always install the ground lug in the up position. If something metal falls it won't short.
Also, I never use the backstab holes. Never trusted them with high amp loads.
Plug a heater in and the wire/tab connection eventually melts.
It is worth the extra time and effort to use the screws.
And yes, it is a lot of time and effort.