Part 3/8:
A key point in this discussion is that the National Electric Code does not explicitly dictate how outlets should be oriented. While it contains numerous regulations concerning outlet placement and type, it allows for significant flexibility in how an outlet can be installed. This can lead to variances in outlet orientations based on regional practices.
In areas such as Chicagoland, for instance, it's common to find outlets installed sideways, with the hot blades facing upwards. This anomaly is rooted in local building practices, which often require the use of conduit instead of standard wiring methods.