system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Eli5: why is it now code to install outlets upside down?
gpt
If a conductive object falls accidentally across the main two prongs of a "right side up" (😮) plug that isn't completely flush against the outlet, it will close the circuit. If it's your finger you get shocked. If it's metal there could be a spark. If there's a spark there could be a fire. Building codes are designed to prevent things like accidental fires.

By installing the outlet "upside-down", you put the ground prong on top of any plug that has one. The ground prong can't create a spark all by itself, so it's safer to touch accidentally.