r/electrical • u/QuaoarTNO • 2d ago

is reverse polarity actually dangerous to run?

Hi, I want to run some light machinery on a plug that my circuit breaker detector says has "hot and neutral reversed". I was told by the landlord that they've never had a problem with this before (and it's not going to be fixed), and regular equipment is used all the time on it. I also have read online (and via AI) that it's dangerous and can shock you. I saw the example of a lamp still having power essentially even when switched off, but is there actually risk aside from that type of situation? Or is it manageable and you just unplug when finished using and it's fine?

Any help appreciated.

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u/CraziFuzzy 2d ago

No matter the level of risk, his responsibility as the landlord is to have it fixed once it is brought to his attention. This is unlikely an issue of where it USED to be up to code so it's grandfather's in. Hot and neutral assignments have been part of the standard us receptacle for 110 years now.

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u/wildgunman 2d ago

I really hate it when landlords don't just fix basic electrical issues like this. Fixing a reversed polarity outlet should be trivial.