The NEC requires that receptacles be installed so that the grounding slot is located on the ___.

The NEC requires that receptacles be installed so that the grounding slot is located on the ___.

• A. Bottom or right side
• B. Top or left side
• C. Either a or b
• D. (NEITHER) no NEC requirement

Answer: (D)

The important idea is that the NEC does not dictate where the grounding slot on a receptacle must be. The grounding slot location—whether it’s at the bottom, top, or any side—is not a code requirement. What the code does require is that the receptacle be properly grounded and wired, with the equipment grounding conductor connected to the receptacle’s grounding terminal and the device mounted and protected correctly (for example, where GFCI or AFCI protection is required). So while you’ll often see ground holes at the bottom in many outlets, that orientation isn’t mandated by the NEC.

The important idea is that the NEC does not dictate where the grounding slot on a receptacle must be. The grounding slot location—whether it’s at the bottom, top, or any side—is not a code requirement. What the code does require is that the receptacle be properly grounded and wired, with the equipment grounding conductor connected to the receptacle’s grounding terminal and the device mounted and protected correctly (for example, where GFCI or AFCI protection is required). So while you’ll often see ground holes at the bottom in many outlets, that orientation isn’t mandated by the NEC.