Switched Outlet, Power into the switch then to switched receptacle

ryanwake

I am replacing the receptacle (at the end of the wiring run) which is controlled by a nearby wall switch. When I removed the receptacle I noticed that the black (hot) and white (neutral) wires were reversed at the back of the receptacle. It is standard 12-2 wire running from the switch to the outlet. Both top and bottom of the receptacle are controlled by the switch (hence no tabs broken). Just wondering why, if for any reason, whoever installed the switch and outlet would have swapped the hot and neutral wires at the receptacle? I haven't checked continuity between the wires yet but just thought I'd ask the team on this forum.

nap

because they didn't know any better?

People do make mistakes sometimes either through ignorance or simple error. No way to know without asking the installer from what I see.