anybody know why the plug in connectors on the back of new 15A/120V outlet’s are now for 14 ga wire, where as the original ones in older homes are for 12GA wire. I am forced to use the screw terminals and not the plug in connectors. It’s not that big a deal to me. Just curious why the change.
ML
Replies
idiot proofing....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"idiot proofing...."No because idiots can still use #14 wire on them..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
ya got a point...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
It has been that way for a long time.
Don't know how long, but the only ones that I have seen that accept #12 for backstabing date from the 50's and 60's.
My guess is that the cheap contact spring that they used did not have enough compliance to hold both sizes safely.
And at that many people don't like using backstab at all. They have found a number of connections that are bad after a number of years.
However, spec grade backWIRE receptacles are available. They will take #14 and #12 (and maybe #10) solid or stranded. They use a pressure clamp in stead of a spring.
All of the parts of the spec grade are much better than the residential grade. And they run about $2.25 for the backwire versions vs 39 cents.
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
#12 vs #14 wire in back stab outlets.........
>>It has been that way for a long time.<<
But have you ever opened a "defective" outlet only to find a faulty backstab connection with #12 wire where the "installer" had actually taken the time to ream out the #14 sized hole so he could get #12 in there?
I found 3 like this in a customer's "improved" basement. One was the culprit, the other 2 still worked but were piggy backed off of the defective one - changed all of the outlets - everybody happy!
I think it would have been quicker / easier / better just to use the side screws!
JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
NoBut I had to remove the old receptacles with #12. The wires were only long enough to get them out about 1" past the box.Adn the wires where welded in place..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Sounds like a great application for the back clamp style outlets!
At least I had enough wire.
JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
It seems to me that if pig-tailing is better for outlets, then the best outlets would come with pigtails already soldered on.Then we could lose the whole backstabbing issue.
"It seems to me that if pig-tailing is better for outlets, then the best outlets would come with pigtails already soldered on.Then we could lose the whole backstabbing issue"
Yeah, but that would make it almost pointless to wire 'em up with old 16 ga. lamp cord.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
Forgot the ";-)"
Edited 7/29/2008 2:30 pm ET by MikeHennessy
Why do you say that? That's no problemo!
I have some smallish orange wire nuts that are listed for 1 - #14 solid + 1/2 #16 stranded.
:^)
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
I'm an electrician in NYC and i can honestly say I don't know any electrician that would EVER use the stab connectors on the back. The springs wear out, lose tension and arcing starts burning the outlet. They SUCK. Under the screw ALWAYS for standard outlets.