For those of you who clock switch/outlet plate screws, do you stop at vertical or horizontal?

Vertical. Not sure why, but I've been doing it forever.

I was told by an electrician friend that clocking them vertically will prevent them from catching/accumulating dust. That said, personally I prefer the appearance when they are clocked horizontally. However, I also place a priority on not visibly deflecting the wallplate, so I can go either way to accomplish that. Of course, if the finish of the screw(s) is damaged or nicked I will take that into account when clocking the screws so as to hide any visible defect. Those screws WILL be clocked though...

You guys have way too much time on your hands..,,.

I set mine to the time of day that I installed them. If a single screw, hour only…dual screws get hours and minutes.

And clocking screws has never crossed my mind when installing a switch plate or plug cover. I’m always concerned “will the device now work?”

When I see the slot is vertical, I have a little bit of confidence that the guy who installed it had at least a little bit of a clue.

Okay now you made me look.
It looks like anything that I have not worked on is vertical.

They just need to match. The real question is, do you install the outlet with the ground on top or bottom?

The correct answer is on the top.

It's a sign of attention to details for a professional. If they're doing that they're likely paying attention to details on what is hidden behind the plate.

Personally, I like them clocked vertically to not trap dust. When I install a plate it's how I leave the screws.

Either vertical or horizontal is ok as long as it is consistent throughout the house. The wife's strong preference is vertical.

quote:

Originally posted by Patriot:
I set mine to the time of day that I installed them. If a single screw, hour only…dual screws get hours and minutes.

My approach as well. Snug 'em down and just say "Well, it's that time somewhere!

Wait, there are people that don't clock the screws, at all?

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
They just need to match. The real question is, do you install the outlet with the ground on top or bottom?

The correct answer is on the top.

Only correct to compensate for the 50% of the population that are retarded!

They are installed in Hospitals that way, and often in Commercial Buildings as well. This originally became a thing because metal/conductive wall plates were used and 'if' said wall plate 'fell off', the upside down/ground up orientation would prevent a short circuit/dangerous condition. And yes, if the plug is not completely inserted, to include partial insertion while either plugging in or unplugging something, it 'can' prevent a dangerous situation should anything fall on the exposed blades of the plug. Regardless, it is NOT a Code Requirement, and receptacle orientation is NOT referenced in the NEC (National Electric Code), at least with respect to NEMA 5-15R Receptacles. YMMV with respect to Local Code(s).

I was once told by an electrician that it would prevent electrocution if a necklace or bracelet came in contact with the exposed blades of a partially inserted plug. In such a case, I would refer you to my initial point!

Im not an electrician but when I do plugs and outlets for people I go vertical or horizontal to match the slots in the outlet.

Great. Now I have to go look at all my outlets.....

And do you have to adjust them twice per year with the time changes ?

quote:

Originally posted by Patriot:
I set mine to the time of day that I installed them. If a single screw, hour only…dual screws get hours and minutes.

Best reply to this question ever!!!

(Vertical for me BTW)

The real pain is setting them back 1/24 rotation in Fall, then forward in Spring .....

I was told by my electrician that it is ground down except for a switched outlet.

A switched outlet is ground up so you can tell the difference at a glance.