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I will copy and paste some research I did a couple of years ago on the petroleum industry to give you some insight on how dangerous it is.Safety Hazards Associated with Oil and Gas Extraction ActivitiesOil and gas well drilling and servicing activities involve many different types of equipment and materials. Recognizing and controlling hazards is critical to preventing injuries and deaths. Several of these hazards are highlighted below. See Standards and Enforcement for more information on evaluation and control requirements.§Vehicle Collisions§Struck-By/ Caught-In/ Caught-Between§Explosions and Fires§Falls§Confined Spaces§Ergonomic Hazards§High Pressure Lines and Equipment§Electrical and Other Hazardous Energy§Machine Hazards§Planning and PreventionVehicle CollisionsWorkers and equipment are required to be transported to and from well sites. Wells are often located in remote areas, and require traveling long distances to get to the sites. Highway vehicle crashes are the leading cause of oil and gas extraction worker fatalities. Roughly 4 of every 10 workers killed on the job in this industry are killed as a result of a highway vehicle incident (Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries). The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling vehicle-related hazards:§Motor Vehicle Safety. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Addresses hazards, controls and standards associated with motor vehicles.§Work Zone Traffic Safety. OSHA QuickCard. Covers traffic safety in brief.§Fatal Facts, Oil Patch No. 1-2012 (PDF*). Report on a fatality attributable to a vehicle hazard.§Motor Vehicle Safety. NIOSH Safety and Health Topics Page. Lists NIOSH publications and current research into occupational motor vehicle safety.§Work-Related Roadway Crashes: Prevention Strategies for Employers. NIOSH. Provides statistics on work-related vehicle accidents and prevention options for employers.Struck-By/ Caught-In/ Caught-BetweenThree of every five on-site fatalities in the oil and gas extraction industry are the result of struck-by/caught -in/caught-between hazards (OSHA IMIS Database). Workers might be exposed to struck-by/caught-in/caught-between hazards from multiple sources, including moving vehicles or equipment, falling equipment, and high-pressure lines. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling these hazards:§Crane, Derrick, and Hoist Safety. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Addresses hazards, controls, and standards associated with cranes, derricks, and hoists.§Struck-By (PPT*). OSHA's Harwood Grant Training Materials. Covers struck-by hazards in the oil and gas industry.§OSHA Fatal Facts, Oil Patch No. 2-2012 (PDF*). Report on a fatality attributable to a struck-by hazard.§OSHA Fatal Facts, Oil Patch No. 3-2012 (PDF*). Report on a fatality attributable to a struck-by hazard.§Guidelines on the Stability of Well Servicing Derricks. OSHA Instruction, STD 03-12-003 [PUB 8-1.8], (1991, July 15).§Oil Well Derrick Stability: Guywire Anchor Systems. OSHA Technical Manual (OTM), TED 01-00-015 [TED 1-0.15A], (1999, January 20).Relevant OSHA standards applicable to these hazards include:§Eye and face protection 1910.133§Head protection 1910.135§Occupational foot protection 1910.136§Hand protection 1910.138§Handling materials - General 1910.176§Powered industrial trucks 1910.178 App A§Crawler locomotive and truck cranes 1910.180§Slings 1910.184§Machinery and machine guarding 1910 Subpart O§General requirements for all machines 1910.212§Mechanical power-transmission apparatus 1910.219Relevant industry practice documents applicable to these hazards include:§AESC Guidelines on the Stability of Well Servicing Derricks§API RP 4G Maintenance and Use of Drilling and Well Servicing Structures§API RP 8B Inspection, Maintenance, Repair, and Remanufacture of Hoisting Equipment§API RP 53 Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Operations§API RP 54 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations§API RP 74 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Onshore Oil and Gas Production Operations§ANSI/ASSE Z41, Personal Protection - Protective Footwear§ANSI/ASSE Z89.1, Requirements for Industrial Head ProtectionExplosions and FiresWorkers in the oil and gas industries face the risk of fire and explosion due to ignition of flammable vapors or gases. Flammable gases, such as well gases, vapors, and hydrogen sulfide, can be released from wells, trucks, production equipment or surface equipment such as tanks and shale shakers. Ignition sources can include static, electrical energy sources, open flames, lightning, cigarettes, cutting and welding tools, hot surfaces, and frictional heat. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling these hazards:§Well Site Ignition Sources. OSHA's Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing eTool. Lists sources of ignition at well sites and possible controls.§Hot Work, Fire, and Explosive Hazards. OSHA's Oil and Gas Drilling and Servicing eTool. Covers hazards associated with performing hot work at oil and gas well sites.§Potential Flammability Hazard Associated with Bulk Transportation of Oilfield Exploration and Production (E&P) Waste Liquids. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (2008, March 24). Alerts oil and gas facilities about the flammability of oilfield waste liquids.§Static Electricity Buildup in Plastic Pipe. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin (1988, September 30). Addresses the potential for static electricity to ignite flammable gas.§Fire Safety. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page.§OSHA Fatal Facts, Oil Patch No. 5-2012 (PDF*). Report on a fatality attributable to a flash fire from crude oil vapors.Relevant standards from OSHA, other federal agencies, and national consensus organizations, and OSHA letters of interpretation applicable to these hazards, include:§Flammable and combustible liquids 1910.106§Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases 1910.110§Fire protection 1910 Subpart L§Guidance on handling cases developed pursuant to the FRC enforcement policy memorandum [1910.132; 1910.132(a)], OSHA Standard Interpretation (2012, December 18).§Clarification of term "Active Hydrocarbon Zone" as it relates to the oil and gas well drilling operations; and the need to use FRC (flame-resistant clothing) when performing drilling operations [1910.132; 1910.132(a); 1910.106; 1910.119], OSHA Standard Interpretation (2010, October 19).§Enforcement Policy for Flame-Resistant Clothing in Oil and Gas Drilling, Well Servicing, and Production-Related Operations. [1910.132; 1910.132(a); 1910.132(d)], OSHA Standard Interpretation (2010, March 19).§OSHA's Flammable and Combustible Liquids Standard, 29 CFR 1910.106 related to pressure vessels used at oil and gas extraction/production facilities. OSHA Standard Interpretation (2006, July 17).§Applicability of 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard to the Manufacture of Explosives Required Under 29 CFR 1910.109(k)(2) . OSHA Standard Interpretation (1995, November 8).§Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 27 CFR 555, Commerce in Explosives.§NFPA 1 Fire Code§NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers§NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code§NFPA 2112 Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire§NFPA 2113 Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash FireRelevant industry practice documents applicable to these hazards include:§API 53 Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Operations§API 54 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations§API 67 Oilfield Explosives Safety§API 74 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Onshore Oil and Gas Production Operations§API 500 Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division 1 and Division 2§IADC Hot Work Hazard RecognitionFallsWorkers might be required to access platforms and equipment located high above the ground. OSHA requires fall protection to prevent falls from the mast, drilling platform, and other elevated equipment. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling this hazard:§Fall Protection. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Addresses fall control and specific standards for general industry and construction.§Walking/Working Surfaces. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Covers hazards and standards associated with work surfaces.§Fall Protection in General Industry. OSHA QuickCard. Covers fall protection in brief.§Falls (PPT*). OSHA's Harwood Grant Training Materials. Covers sources of slips, trips, and fall hazards in the oil and gas industry.§Walking and Working Surfaces and Fall Protection (PPT*). OSHA's Harwood Grant Training Materials. Covers slips, trips, and fall hazards in the oil and gas industry and associated OSHA standards.§OSHA Fatal Facts, Oil Patch No. 4-2012 (PDF*). Report on a fatality attributable to this hazard.§Fall Injuries Prevention in the Workplace. NIOSH Safety and Health Topics Page. Lists NIOSH publications and current research into occupational fall prevention.Relevant OSHA and national consensus standards applicable to this hazard include:§Walking-working surfaces 1910 Subpart D§Powered platforms, manlifts and vehicle-mounted work platforms 1910 Subpart F§ANSI/ASSE Z359.1, Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and ComponentsRelevant industry practice documents applicable to this hazard include:§IADC (International Association of Drilling Contractors) Working at Height§API 54 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations§API 74 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Onshore Oil and Gas Production OperationsConfined SpacesWorkers are often required to enter confined spaces such as petroleum and other storage tanks, mud pits, reserve pits and other excavated areas, sand storage containers, and other confined spaces around a wellhead. Safety hazards associated with confined space include ignition of flammable vapors or gases. Health hazards include asphyxiation and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Confined spaces that contain or have the potential to contain a serious atmospheric hazard must be classified as permit-required confined spaces, tested prior to entry, and continuously monitored. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling this hazard:§Confined Spaces. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Addresses specific standards for the general industry and shipyard employment.§Confined Space Entry on Drilling Rigs. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (1990, May 30). Highlights potential asphyxiation and toxic chemical exposure hazards in confined spaces on drilling rigs.§Permit-Required Confined Spaces in General Industry. OSHA QuickCard. Covers confined space entry in brief.§Confined Space (PPT*). OSHA's Harwood Grant Training Materials. Covers confined space entry in the oil and gas extraction industry.§Permit-Required Confined Space Entry (PPT*). OSHA's Harwood Grant Training Materials. Covers confined space entry in the oil and gas extraction industry.§Confined Spaces. NIOSH Safety and Health Topics Page. Lists NIOSH publications and current research into confined spaces.Relevant OSHA and national consensus standards applicable to this hazard include:§Permit-required confined spaces 29 CFR 1910.146§ANSI/ASSE Z117.1 Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces§NFPA 326 Standard for Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or RepairRelevant industry practice documents applicable to this hazard include:§API 1615 Safe Entry and Cleaning of Petroleum Storage Tanks, Planning and Managing Tank Entry from Decommissioning Through RecommissioningErgonomic HazardsOil and gas workers might be exposed to ergonomics-related injury risks, such as lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body postures, and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively. Risk factors and the resulting injuries can be minimized or, in many cases, eliminated through interventions such as pre-task planning, use of the right tools, proper placement of materials, education of workers about the risk, and early recognition and reporting of injury signs and symptoms. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling these hazards:§Strains and sprains. OSHA's Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing eTool. Lists solutions for preventing strains and sprains in the oil and gas industry.§Ergonomics. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Covers related standards and guidelines for preventing ergonomic injury.§Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders. NIOSH Safety and Health Topics Page. Lists NIOSH publications and current research into ergonomics.High Pressure Lines and EquipmentWorkers might be exposed to hazards from compressed gases or from high-pressure lines. Internal erosion of lines might result in leaks or line bursts, exposing workers to high-pressure hazards from compressed gases or from high-pressure lines. If connections securing high-pressure lines fail, struck-by hazards might be created. The following OSHA documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling these hazards:§Compressed Gas and Equipment. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Reviews standards and hazard-control measures associated with compressed gas and equipment.§Pressure Vessels. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Reviews standards and hazard-control measures associated with pressurized tanks and containers.Relevant industry practice documents applicable to these hazards include:§API 53 Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Operations§API 54 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations§API 59 Recommended Practice for Well Control§API 74 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Onshore Oil and Gas Production Operations§IADC Guide to Blowout Prevention§IADC Blowout and Well Control Handbook§IADC Well Control for the Man on the Rig§IADC Well Control for the Rig-Site Drilling Team§IADC Well Control ManualElectrical and Other Hazardous EnergyWorkers might be exposed to uncontrolled electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or other sources of hazardous energy if equipment is not designed, installed, and maintained properly. Further, administrative controls such as operating procedures must be developed and implemented to ensure safe operations. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling these hazards:§Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout). OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Reviews general industry standards, explains lockout/tagout concepts, and provides guidance on developing a lockout/tagout program.§Hazardous Energy (PPT*). OSHA's Harwood Grant Training Materials. Covers control of hazardous energy in the oil and gas industry.§Lockout/Tagout (PPT*). OSHA's Harwood Grant Training Materials. Covers control of hazardous energy and lockout/tagout procedures in the oil and gas industry.§Electrical Safety. NIOSH Safety and Health Topics Page. Lists NIOSH publications and current research into occupational electrical safety.Relevant OSHA and national consensus standards applicable to these hazards include:§The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) 1910.147§Typical minimal lockout procedures 1910.147 Appendix A§Electrical Subpart S§NFPA 70 National Electrical Code®Relevant industry practice documents applicable to this hazard include:§API 53 Blowout Prevention Equipment Systems for Drilling Operations§API 54 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations§API 74 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Onshore Oil and Gas Production OperationsMachine HazardsOil and gas extraction workers may be exposed to a wide variety of rotating wellhead equipment, including top drives and Kelly drives, drawworks, pumps, compressors, catheads, hoist blocks, belt wheels, and conveyors, and might be injured if they are struck by or caught between unguarded machines. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling these hazards:§Barrier Guard for Drawworks Drum at Oil Drilling Sites. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin (1995, July 13). Highlights the need for barrier guards for drawworks drums to prevent caught-between hazards at oil drilling sites.§Caught-Between (PPT*). OSHA's Harwood Grant Training Materials. Covers sources of caught-between hazards at oil and gas drilling sites.§Machine Guarding (PPT*). OSHA's Harwood Grant Training Materials. Covers principles of machine guarding in the oil and gas industry and associated OSHA standards.§Machine Safety. NIOSH Safety and Health Topics Page. Lists NIOSH publications and current research into occupational machine safety.Relevant OSHA and national consensus standards applicable to these hazards include:§Machinery and machine guarding 1910 Subpart O§Hand and portable powered tools and other hand-held equipment 1910 Subpart PRelevant industry practice documents applicable to these hazards include:§API 54 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations§API 74 Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Onshore Oil and Gas Production Operations§API 11ER Guarding of Pumping Units. (ANSI/API RP 11ER-1992) (includes Supplement 1, July 1, 1991).§IADC Hand Safety & Injury Prevention for the Oil and Gas IndustryPlanning and PreventionFor process-specific and task-specific hazards and controls, see OSHA's Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing eTool. The eTool identifies common hazards and possible solutions to reduce incidents that could lead to injuries or deaths. Each drilling and servicing company should have its own safety program:§Know the hazards. Evaluate the hazards at the worksite. Many companies within the oil and gas industry use the Job Safety Analysis process (also referred to as a JSA, Job Hazard Analysis, or JHA) to identify hazards and find solutions.§Establish ways to protect workers, including developing and implementing safe practices for:oConfined space; excavationsoChemical handling; exposureoChemical storageoElectrical workoEmergency responseoEquipment/machine hazardsoFall protectionoFire protectionoHot work, welding, flame cutting operationsoPersonal protective equipment useoPower sources (lockout/tagout provisions, safe distance from power lines)oWorking in the heat, long shifts§Provide personal protective equipment (PPE). When engineering controls alone cannot protect worker overexposure to chemicals, noise, or other hazards, the employer must provide PPE.§Communicate the hazards, and train workers.§Have a plan for contractor safety and training.

Iii This is so 1950’s.When I was a child I remember our TV repairman using this method when working on the high voltage section of our black and white TV.(That’s not a picture of him - that’s a color TV.)Electrical safety, fortunately, has progressed a LONG way since then.If I ever saw a contract electrician working for me doing this I would immediately remove them from the job site. No electrician working for the company I worked for would ever do this, because they are trained better.Electrical Safety in the WorkplaceIn the US we have a few things that define electrical safety in the workplace - and guess what, electricity does not inherently know the difference between the workplace and any other place.The voltages may be higher in a workplace, the short circuit fault currents may be higher, but the methods to control the the hazards are similar.These items are:OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 CFR 1910 - and specifically Subpart S Electrical.NFPA 70E Handbook for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.I won’t go into the details of these, but I will refer to what I consider to be a controlling concept - the hierarchy of hazard controls.Most effectively, you eliminate the hazard. This means removing the energy source, LO/TO (lock-out / tag-out) when required, and verification that the energy source has been removed.See where PPE is on the triangle? It’s at the bottom, because it is considered to be the least effective control.And where would “placing one’s hand behind their back” rate? It doesn’t - it is not considered a control method. (BTW - ever heard of electricity going from one hand to some other part of the body other than the other hand?)OSHA and Working on Energized CircuitsOSHA has allowances as to why one may be allowed to work on energized circuits. They are few.29 CFR 1910.333(a)(1) states:"Deenergized parts." Live parts to which an employee may be exposed shall be deenergized before the employee works on or near them, unless the employer can demonstrate that deenergizing introduces additional or increased hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. Live parts that operate at less than 50 volts to ground need not be deenergized if there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric arcs.Note 1: Examples of increased or additional hazards include interruption of life support equipment, deactivation of emergency alarm systems, shutdown of hazardous location ventilation equipment, or removal of illumination for an area.Note 2: Examples of work that may be performed on or near energized circuit parts because of infeasibility due to equipment design or operational limitations include testing of electric circuits that can only be performed with the circuit energized and work on circuits that form an integral part of a continuous industrial process in a chemical plant that would otherwise need to be completely shut down in order to permit work on one circuit or piece of equipment.”Even then, work permits must be obtained and signed, the individual doing the work must be qualified, using proper PPE rated for the job, etc.I could go into much more detail on what OSHA and NFPA 70E say on the subject of electric safety, but I will stop here.Residential ServiceWhat about for 240/120 volt single-phase residential service?If you Google “Residential Service Companies 240/120 Volt Single-Phase Electrical Work Safety Program” you will find an excellent 14-page document on the topic.Guess what? It does not mention the (very outdated) concept of working with one hand behind the back.At 1.2.5 it states: “To work on energized/hot devices as identified in this program you must be:1.2.5.1. A Licensed Residential Electrician or the equivalent in experience and training as determined by your employer;1.2.5.2. Trained on this 240/120 Volt Single-Phase Electrical Work Safety Program; and1.2.5.3. Considered an authorized person as defined in this program (see 2.2.1).What do they consider to be energized/hot electrical work? Examples of energized/hot electrical work include:3.2.1. Voltage Testing;3.2.2. Circuit Testing;3.2.3. Troubleshooting;3.2.4. Operating (switching) electric circuits;3.2.5. Removing and reinstalling fuses;3.2.6. Deenergizing and reenergizing procedures;3.2.7. Opening (removing) and closing (reinstalling) covers, including for panels or panelboards, direct-wired motors and appliances, and outlet and switching devices; and3.2.8. Excavations near underground electrical lines.”HomeownersNone of this, of course, applies to a homeowner doing electrical work on their own residence. But did it make you stop and think? If not, maybe you and electricity should not mix.Working on High Voltage SystemsThe people who work on high voltage power lines absolutely are not “totally nuts.”They are highly-trained professionals, following industry standards and best practices.It would be a disservice to them and to the very important function they perform for modern society for us to call them nuts.

I see that you live in the US, so this answer is for the US.This is primarily written for, as the question asks, electrical outlets mounted on walls.It is also primarily written for residential and light commercial (apartment buildings, hotels, dormitories, office buildings, etc.) applications, not heavy commercial, industrial and other special applications.I have to add that there is no way that in such an answer that I can possibly cover and discuss each and every part of the National Electrical Code that covers this. For that the reader is directed to the National Electrical Code itself.Receptacles, Not OutletsWhat you are talking about are technically called receptacles (per the National Electrical Code, Article 100 Definitions) - more specifically 125 volt, 15 and 20 amp receptacles.Outlet is defined in 2017 NEC Article 100 as “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.” Information in the 2017 NEC Handbook goes on to say “The term outlet is frequently misused to refer to receptacles. Although receptacle outlets are outlets, not all outlets are receptacles outlets. Other common examples of outlets include lighting outlets and smoke alarm outlets”Thanks to Mark Bertacchi, a Master Electrician, for the way he words this: “An outlet is the point where the building wiring method exits the wall, ceiling or floor and is usually terminated in a box - thus the term ‘outlet box’.”Outlets are the things that receptacles are placed in. I want you to know the terminology that the governing code uses - but you can call them whatever you want.125 Volt, 15 Amp Duplex Decora Receptacle125 Volt, 20 Amp Duplex Decora ReceptacleNational Electrical Code RequirementsThe National Electrical Code (NEC) is the electrical installation code used in all 50 states and all U.S. Territories - reference NEC Preface.For electrical receptacles installed in walls, the NEC does not specify orientation, either vertical or horizontal, and if vertical it does not specify ground pin down or ground pin up.125 Volt, 15 Amp Duplex Standard Receptacle, Vertical and Horizontal Mounted125 Volt, 15 amp Duplex Decora Receptacle, Mounted Vertically, Ground Pin Down125 Volt, 15 amp Duplex Decora Receptacle, Mounted Vertically, Ground Pin UpMounting Orientation PracticeBy far the most common mounting orientation in the US for such receptacles mounted in walls is vertical, ground pin down.I happen to live in an area where receptacles are mounted ground pin up. I have read through the electrical ordinance for my city and it states nothing about the orientation of receptacles.I met with an electrical inspector in my city to discuss this. He told me there is no requirement in the city for receptacle orientation, and that he would approve installations where the ground pin was mounted up or down. I subsequently met with the Acting Chief Electrical Inspector and the Chairman of the Board of Electrical Examiners for my city, who both confirmed there is no requirement in my city for receptacle orientation. They noted that receptacles are typically installed ground pin up because that is the way the trade schools in the area teach - it’s done because of local convention, not regulation.I have been told by others that their city has a requirement that ground pins be mounted up. I have looked through the most stringent electrical standards I know of in the US - the electrical ordinance for New York City and the Chicago Electrical Code (a modification of the NEC) and nowhere can I find any mention of receptacle orientation for wall-mounted receptacles.If your jurisdiction has a requirement for receptacle orientation I would be interested in knowing about it. Please give me the reference to the ordinance that states the requirement and I will add that information to this answer.Horizontal Mounted ReceptaclesFor horizontal mounted receptacles the best arrangement is to place the grounding hole to the left - which places the wider neutral slot on top. This way if something metal falls on the partially exposed blades the item will hit the grounded neutral blade instead of the hot blade.Vertical Mounted ReceptaclesThere are a lot of differing opinions on this. I will include some of them below.Ground Pin Up SafetySome argue that the ground pin up orientation is safer because if a conductive object of the right size (for example, a metal paper clip) falls and lands on a plug that has a ground pin, where the plug is inserted far enough to be energized but not so far that the prongs are fully inserted and covered, because:With the ground pin down, that metal object might make contact with the hot blade and become energized, or might make contact with the hot and neutral blades and create a short.Whereas with the ground pin up, a falling metal object will make contact with the ground pin and therefore not create a hazard.I will let you determine how likely such an event is to occur, and if you want to orient your receptacles to deal with that potential hazard.One person noted hearing a radio interview with one of the original designers of the North American three prong receptacle and plug. Reportedly the designer expressed great frustration with the way it was being used because the intention when it was designed was to orient it with the ground plug up for all the reasons noted above. He apparently reported that ground plug down became the default largely by accident and subsequently many things have been designed around that assumption, making ground plug up difficult at best.If anyone can find a reference to this I would greatly appreciate it.Ground Pin Down SafetyAn alternate argument proposed by some is that the receptacle should be oriented with the ground pin down because a person grabbing the plug will have their index finger at the bottom side of the plug and the index finger sticks out further than the thumb. Having the ground down will keep a person's index finger from touching the live pins. Another argument for ground pin down is that if something drops down and hits the plug, the ground pin will be the last thing to lose contact.Living with Ground Pin Up ReceptaclesFor those of us who live in areas where the ground pin is mounted up, we experience the problem shown below when the plug of the type shown is used. This type of plug is most common on larger appliances.This is a real PIA for us, and can be unsafe in that the cord can more easily get crushed by dressers and the like pushing against them.This issue also occurs with the surge suppressor type that I prefer - shown below.Because of these problem some suggest that receptacles for heavier appliances that more commonly use this type of plug - such as clothes washing machines, refrigerators, window air conditioners, some microwave ovens - be mounted ground pin down. This is so that the plug inserts without having the cord loop over itself. Also the downward pull of the cord tends to tug the plug from the receptacle if the receptacle is mounted ground pin up.Then mount all other receptacles ground pin up.Another issue occurs when items like small power supplies (sometimes called “wall-warts”) and the GFCI-like plugs for hair dryers are installed in ground pin up receptacles - which tend to make them fall out.Split-Wired ReceptaclesIn some areas it is practice to mount duplex receptacles that are split-wired (one receptacle in the duplex controlled by a wall-mounted light switch, the other directly wired) one way - generally ground pin up, and duplex receptacles that were not split-wired mounted the other way (generally ground pin down). Then people can visually see if a receptacle is split-wired or not. I heard from several people in an area in Florida and some in California that mentioned this was a standard in their area.It should be noted that if a split-wired receptacle is fed as a multi-wire branch circuit (as shown in the diagram above) “Each multiwire branch circuit shall be provided with a means that will simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors at the point where the branch circuit originates.” [Reference 2020 NEC 210.4(B)]. This can be accomplished by the use of two single-pole circuit breakers with an identified handle tie or a 2-pole circuit breaker, or by a 2-pole switch [reference 2020 NEC Handbook, 210.4(B), blue text, second paragraph.]Another perspective, in conflict with the one above - is that whatever convention is used all receptacles in a facility should be mounted the same way.Note: For split-wired receptacles there is no NEC requirement on which half of the receptacle be switched - top half or bottom half. To me the most sensible thing would be to switch the bottom half - as that is generally a light that is not moved, leaving the top half more easily accessible to plug in whatever you would like.Hospital ReceptaclesMost if not all hospital receptacles you will see in the US are mounted ground pin up.Note: If you are dealing with electrical systems in hospitals Quora is not the place to go for answers. Standards and regulations governing hospital electrical systems are very particular and specific. You need trained, qualified and experienced professionals to deal with your systems. The following is for general information only and is not intended to be used for guidance for actual hospital applications.Standards for Hospitals that Mention ReceptaclesIEEE 602–2007 Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities - in 4.4.3 “Hospital grade receptacles” says this:“Parallel blade devices should be mounted ground pin or neutral blade up. In this configuration, any metal that drops between the plug and the wall will most likely contact a non-energized blade. While either 15 A or 20 A receptacles are permitted, it is highly desirable to use only 20 A within a health care facility. This allows for greater flexibility in equipment usage and simplifies stocking of replacement receptacles.”Note the use of the word “Should.” In standard electrical code language, “Should” means a strong suggestion, whereas “Shall” means a requirement.One person stated there is a more general IEEE document that suggests that receptacles be oriented ground pin up, but to date no one has provided a reference to any such document.NFPA 99 Standard for Health Care Facilities has no statement about receptacle orientation that I could find. It does, however, state that the receptacle shall have a retention force of not less than 4 oz. for the grounding blade (4.3.3.2.4).It has been reported that some hospital accrediting organizations require outlets be mounted ground pin up to pass inspection, and I have no reason to not believe this. But another person noted that ground pin up was not required to pass inspection - perhaps this is with a different accrediting organization. Without specific references to the applicable standards I have no way of checking this.And as I said, Quora is NOT the place to go to for information about electrical wiring systems in hospitals.Ground Pin Up or Down - It’s Up to YouPeople can (and do) argue vehemently for one way or the other.Many have stated they have seen “somewhere” a requirement that the ground pin be up. I have searched through the NEC back through 1968, read through the US Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), looked at the NYC and Chicago modifications to the NEC, read many local ordinances about their electrical code, looked at UL Standards - but to date have not been able to find any such thing in any document. If you can provide me with a specific reference I will be glad to add it here - if there is such a thing.Because the regulations governing this do not specify an orientation, you are allowed to chose whichever orientation practice you want.What Would I Do?If I were wiring an existing facility I would continue with the convention already in place in that facility.If I were wiring a new home, I would orient the receptacles ground pin down.Why? Because:The risk difference between this orientation and ground pin up is marginal at best, in my opinion.Having lived with ground pin up, I don’t like it for reasons stated above.I typically don’t split-wire receptacles, and if I did I would not care to have them identified. If you do, that’s fine with me!I am not going to use metal faceplates that might slip and fall onto a partially exposed plug - I use non-conductive nylon faceplates (as described below).I use quality receptacles that provide good tight tension for the plug, not the $0.39 specials that lose tension with use. I test the tension of my receptacles periodically using a Daniel Woodhead 1760 Receptacle Tension Tester. I replace receptacles when their tension falls below the specified standard.In new residential wiring our receptacles are protected by:A circuit breaker to protect against overloads and short circuitsAlmost always a GFCI to protect against ground faultsAlmost always an AFCI to protect against arcing faultsA tamper-resistant receptacle that almost forces a plug to get fully inserted - try one for yourself and find out.FaceplatesIn my opinion the object most likely to fall as noted and potentially become energized is a metal faceplate. Because of this I don’t use metal faceplates - instead I use break-resistant nylon faceplates (not the $0.99 easily breakable faceplates).If for some reason you feel the need to use a metal faceplate that is your decision - just know that from an electrical safety standpoint I don’t personally believe that to be the wisest decision.Metal Faceplate“Unbreakable” Nylon FaceplateMy favorite faceplate is a Decora-type faceplate - specifically the Lutron Claro line. It offers the following advantages:The Decora-type receptacle faceplate is held on by two screws, unlike the standard faceplate that is held on with a single screw. This makes the Decora faceplate a lot less likely to come loose and fall down.Decora Style Duplex Receptacle. The two faceplate mounting screw holes are above and below the screw heads in the photo.The Lutron Claro faceplate has no exposed screws. This makes for a safer installation, one that is easier to clean, and one with a more modern look.Lutron Claro Duplex Receptacle FaceplateExceptionsThere is one place where the NEC does specify something in relation to receptacle orientation.2017 NEC 406.5(G) - new to the 2017 NEC, states “Receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up position in or on countertop surfaces or work surfaces unless listed for countertop or work surface applications.” I guess I thought that was a reasonable, sensible and understandable thing until some people asked why this was being included.It follows the basic rule - one that I hope most people know and understand, that water and electricity do not mix. A receptacle mounted in a face-up position on a countertop or work surface has the potential to have water that is on the surface run into the receptacle and outlet. I hope that is clear and the potential issues with that are clear to people.UL Listed Pop-Up Receptacle - Hubbell-Kellemshttps://www.vanmeterinc.com/asse...https://www.vanmeterinc.com/asse...New to the 2020 NEC at 406.5(G)(2) prohibits mounting receptacles in a face-up position in the area below a sink. That new addition makes sense to me.Why Are Some Electrical Receptacles Installed High Up On a Wall?Receptacles generally are installed about 18 inches above the floor.To be counted as a “dwelling unit receptacle outlet” as required by 2017 NEC 210.52, the receptacles shall be:If mounted in the floor, within 18 inches of the wall - 2017 NEC 210.52(A)(3).If mounted in the wall, not more than 5.5 feet above the floor - 2017 NEC 210.52(1).Read the information below on “Special Occupancies” and you might decide that 48 inches is a better choice for maximum height for many locations (and 18 inches as a minimum height).There may be reasons to install receptacles at other heights. One reason is to power old electric clocks. Another is for some appliances, such as:washing machinesmicrowave ovenswall mounted TVsReceptacles in bathrooms, basements, garages, accessory buildings, on mantleplaces, in hotels, motels, and dormitories (where laptop computers are often used) are other examples where receptacles are generally mounted higher.One person noted placing receptacles mounted in basements at a higher location due to concerns about flooding. Another person noted placing receptacles on the first floor higher up due to concerns about flooding. That makes sense to me, especially if the facility is in a location where flooding is a possibility.FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) notes this in their document 551 Selecting Appropriate Mitigation Measures for Floodprone Structures - Chapter 6 “Wet Floodproofing” 6.2.4 “Location of Utilities.” Here is what it says “Any electrical outlets should be relocated or elevated to higher areas on the wall above the flood protection elevation, as there is a danger of not being unable to shut off the electrical panel before the basement floods. Relocation of utilities also includes the electrical service panel …” https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1609-20490-5083/fema_551.pdfWhere receptacles are mounted behind a bed, the receptacle shall be located to prevent the bed from contacting any attachment plug that may be installed or the receptacle shall be provided with a suitable guard - 2017 NEC 210.62(B).Hospitals often have receptacles mounted high on the wall so they are visible, readily accessible, and so that the cords don’t drape over the floor where they can present a trip hazard, beds could roll over them, etc.Height Requirements for Special OccupanciesReportedly various regulations, codes and standards have requirements for the height of receptacles. I don’t have the interest in tracking all of these down, because I am not involved in these situations. However if you are you need to be aware of any special requirements.Listed below are some things I have heard about, but have not independently verified:California Building Code 2016 (Volume 1) 1136A.1 requiring electrical receptacle outlets on branch circuits of 30 amperes or less to be located no more that 48 inches measured from the top of the receptacle outlet box nor less than 15 inches measured from the bottom of the receptacle outlet box to the level of the finished floor or working platform.Fair Housing Act, HUD Section 504, Rehabilitation act of 1973 (24CFR 8.22) with the same requirements as noted above for the California Building Code.The Massachusetts State Electric Code 521 CMR 39.3 Height reportedly has similar requirements.ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) says this:28CFR Part 36, Section 4.2.5 “Forward Approach” - maximum height 48 inches.28CFR Part 36, Section 4.2.6 “Parallel Approach” - maximum height 54 inches.28CFR Part 36, 4.2.7.3 “Height” - minimum 15 inches. Maximum height as specified in 4.2.5 and 4.2.6. EXCEPTION: These requirements do not apply where the use of special equipment dictates otherwise or where electrical and communications systems receptacles are not normally intended for use by building occupants.New York City Local Law No. 39 for the year 2015 (Int. No. 433-A) “Table 3: Typical Mounting Heights.” It states 18 inches for receptacles.NECA 1–2015 “Good Workmanship in Electrical Construction” - Chapter 11 , Table 3 shows 18 inches for general receptacle outlets, finished floor to centerline of the device.International Building Code: The IBC says nothing about this topic. It references the National Electrical Code as the code to use (reference 2018 IBC Chapter 27 “Electrical,” Section 2710 “General”).I enjoyed writing this. I hope you enjoyed reading it!