Switch Plate Screws

JohnJ0906

They actually have an NEC amendment requiring the plate screws to be oriented vertically?

__________________
John from Baltimore
"One Day at a Time"
All replies based on the 2008 NEC

crazyboy

Toggles = Vertical, everything else = horizontal. Don't ask me why because I'm not sure why.

rselectric1

I hope this is not off the subject, but it is related and I've never been given a good explanation nor could I figure it out.
In suburban Chicago, EVERYTHING must be run in EMT. Romex is not allowed except anywhere near the city. However, local custom is to install receptactles the opposite way than the NEC requires. (For vertical receptacles, ground down, and horizontal receptacles, hot on top). It runs completely contrary to the reason for the NEC requirement. (That is if a metal cover plate becomes loose, they want gravity to have it drop on the most harmless thing)
Does anyone know why our area is different?

__________________
220...221...whatever it takes!

Celtic

Tell me where to find this NEC requirement.....

















I'll give you a hint.....under the Lochness Monster's pillow.

__________________

rselectric1

LOL Celtic
My point exactly.
It has ALWAYS baffled me.
If you dont believe me, fly to O'Hare Airport and spend a few minutes in our area.
This is "just how they are placed here"
If you think I am exaggerating, check with Angus. He is from this area too.
It defies NEC logic but always done here.

__________________
220...221...whatever it takes!

480sparky

Is your NEC written by the NFPA or the Easter bunny?

Ground up/down is not, not has it ever been, an NEC dictum.

__________________
Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

Celtic

What NEC logic?


The NEC has no requirement for up/down ~ therefore logic is not a factor in the equation.....Chicago decided they would make the decision to the question of up/down.

__________________

rselectric1

I think you guys actually believe I am making this up.
Let's phone a friend-Angus
The easter bunny has me on his blocked senders list.

__________________
220...221...whatever it takes!

nEighter

I thought you knew.. the easter bunny actually owed the toothfairy money.. see the make believe mob tapped the toothfairy long ago to be their "silent inforcer".. and the rest is history. Why else would the tooth fairy show up when you are sleeping? Try not payin what you owe and wake up the next morning!

__________________
Olathe house Painting and Remodeling Overland Park Interior House Painting Leawood Exterior House Painting Shawnee Wood Rot Repair Lenexa Drywall Repair

Celtic

I believe you when you tell us Chicago gives a crap about up/down
I do NOT believe you when you say the NEC gives a crap about up/down.


The easy way to prove it is to simply post the article number

__________________

rselectric1

You guys are good. I just checked 406.4 and you are right. It doesn't list a requirement.
It's funny how some things just get stuck in your head over the years. (The theory is correct, but it really isn't required)
Thanks for the reality check guys.
Now I can sleep well at night (as long as I use plastic cover plates)

__________________
220...221...whatever it takes!

480sparky

The arguments (or in your words, theory) for both sides of the 'ground-up/ground-down' argument are equally valid.

__________________
Site : the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located.
Sight : The power or faculty of seeing; perception of objects by use of the eyes; vision.
Cite : To mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

nEighter

when it comes to local code though.. the AHJ is > All. Correct?

__________________
Olathe house Painting and Remodeling Overland Park Interior House Painting Leawood Exterior House Painting Shawnee Wood Rot Repair Lenexa Drywall Repair

Speedy Petey

I ask the same thing.

There is NO WAY there is a requirement for something completely aesthetic. I would need to see concrete proof.

__________________

Speedy Petey

I think a lot of guys from places like Chicago and NYC believe their local amendments are national or NEC codes simply from doing the same thing for so long they just don't know any different, and assume every place is the same.

__________________

Celtic

Without a doubt.
The AHJ/EI's even have their own code book/s:

__________________

nEighter

__________________
Olathe house Painting and Remodeling Overland Park Interior House Painting Leawood Exterior House Painting Shawnee Wood Rot Repair Lenexa Drywall Repair

ampman

no i was just kidding but this is what we tell the greehorns around here its by the NEC only no local codes at all

__________________
an army of sheep lead by a lion will defeat an army of lions lead by a sheep

robertc65

All I can say is if the screws are not vertical I know that either the place was painted or there has been someone other than a real electrician in the box.

Rob

spdtrx

I'm spent