Why are electric outlets vertical and not horizontal?

Question

I was just thinking about that and how lots of stuff cant be plugged in because it takes space from the other outlet .

Answer 1

Its tradition

You can mount them horizontally if you choose to

Answer 2

It's just habit that now has a functional reason as well.  Many plug-in transformers for speakers, cell phones, and other small appliances are not secured and will fall out if the outlet is positioned horizontally.  So given that, it is now the standard.  I have seen some outlets placed horizontally, especially in kitchens and low along walls, but good luck trying to secure a transformer/ac power adapter in one of those and have it stay in place!!!

Answer 3

The over under style dates back to the early days and most likely has to do with the easy of manufacture. The vertical alignment of the vertical slots would allow a relatively straight piece of metal to form the internal electrical connections.

To twist the receptacle alignment would require a more complicated bend and routing of the internal metal connections.  Probably not a big deal to do with modern production tooling. However consider how receptacles would have been made in the early days.  A simpler design would have been easier to build and cheaper to make.

Its only been within the relative recent period of electrical usage that a proliferation of wall warts have entered our homes.  ( Wall warts are those boxy power adapters.)

As with anything if there is a great enough need someone will invent and market a product to solve the problem.

The links have two different solutions, one is a receptacle with rotating sockets to accommodate odd shaped plugs

Answer 4

It has to do with the fact that it's easier to fasten a box to a stud with the longer side against the stud that with the short side against the stud.  [It's not rocket science. :)]

Answer 5

one of the reasons is that if mounted the other way the flex from the plug would get a 90 degree bend in it, over time the cable might get damaged. its also easier to get them level with a level along the long length than the short.