Replies

1. 
   maddog3 | May 31, 2005 08:04pm | #1

   isn't the mfrs. name on the other side?

2. 
   JTC1 | Jun 01, 2005 02:13am | #2

   I have seen 4x4 box covers which although they will fit with either side out, they work best oriented  in one direction.

   This "work better in one direction than the other" phenomena is caused by the angle the screw slots are cut - when you tighten the screws the box cover pulls in toward the screw shanks, if you flip the cover it wants to walk away from the screw shanks as the screws are tightened.

   Nice of them to mark it if this is the reason.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

    

3. 
   HeavyDuty | Jun 01, 2005 04:36am | #3

   My thinking was that the plate is stamped so one side has a more rounded edge which should face the outside so nobody would get a cut if they accidentally rub their body part on it.

   But then after reading about the screw thing that makes more sense than what I originally  thought.

1. 
   DanH | Jun 03, 2005 05:29pm | #4

   Or maybe they just got tired of people calling them up and asking them which side went out.

1. 
   SamT | Jun 03, 2005 06:59pm | #5

   What about when you use it on a ceiling box?

   SamT

1. 
   JTC1 | Jun 04, 2005 03:40am | #6

   "Out" is the opposite of "in", "in" is always the box.

   Unless it is a 240v circuit in the southern hemisphere, I think that's the exception?? Can't remember.

   Jim

    

4. 
   4Lorn1 | Jun 04, 2005 05:58am | #7

   I was told that because the cover is stamped a lot of them have a relatively sharp edge. If this edge is pointed out, away from the box, it poses a small, but real, scratch hazard. When handling a lot of these covers I find the skin on my hand has been sliced up. Never deep enough to draw blood but it can be annoying and the deeper ones sting a bit when eating an orange or if I get PVC cement into them.

   Flip the cover over and the sharp edge rides outside of the box so it doesn't pose a hazard to the insulation on the wires.

   The hooks where the screws go should be pointed down. Idea being that if the screws loosen the cover should remain in place, held by gravity. If the box is laid flat the position of the hooks doesn't matter much.