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From: parnass@cbnewse.att.com (Bob Parnass, AJ9S)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house,sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Question about electrical outlets
Summary: wall mounted transformers & pwr supplies often favor gnd down
Message-ID: <1990Aug31.191658.12373@cbnewse.att.com>
Date: 31 Aug 90 19:16:58 GMT
References: <842@ecicrl.UUCP> <1990Aug30.012428.14541@mthvax.cs.miami.edu> <1990Aug30.192752.23339@mintaka.lcs.mit.edu>
Followup-To: sci.electronics
Distribution: usa
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Naperville, IL
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In article <1990Aug30.192752.23339@mintaka.lcs.mit.edu>, zonker@ghoti.lcs.mit.edu (Regis M Donovan) writes:
 	....
> The only time when orientation of the receptacle is really important is
> when it is mounted horizontally,...

Orientation is also a factor when using those plastic encased,
wall mounted power supplies.  Their center of gravity (which
UL looks at for approval of such devices) seems to favor electrical
outlets with the ground connection on the bottom.

The justification I heard for having the ground pin at the bottom
is that it would be the last connection to break if the force
of gravity dislodged a line cord.
-- 
============================================================================
Bob Parnass, AJ9S - AT&T Bell Laboratories - att!ihlpy!parnass (708)979-5414