Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 16, 1999 08:41pm | #11

   *
   We're doing a complete remodel on an older home here, and it purchasing the electrical supplies Saturday, I noticed a new type of duplex outlet, one with a quick connect.

   The older variety were held in by copper springs, and released by inserting a small flat screwdriver. Remember those widow makers?

   The new type has connections for side screw connections and a quick connect in back as well, held by the force of the screw.

   Does anyone have experience with them? I assume they are better, but before I install 50-60 of these babies, I thought I would put out a post.

   Thanks for all who respond.

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 08, 1999 11:34pm | #1

   *These are the Levitons sold in the red 10-packs, about $19 a box (or equiv.)? I use them for everything, and the semi-quick connects (still have to tighten a screw, gee) work really well -- no wire bending or concern that the wire might worm its way out from under the screw. And because there are two holes for each screw, you can safely put two wires there, avoiding a wirenut unless you are a pigtail diehard. Metal band around the back to withstand 3-prong plugs. Easy to deinstall too, wires in box are undamaged. Haven't broken any yet.Funny, I've politely intervened three times now at HD and politely talked DIY'ers into buying these over the 30¢ springloaded junk. The weight of the receptacle alone makes the sale, despite the 6x price. I ought to get a commission.One other receptacle that is nice (but $$) is the child-resistant one with the internal obstructions to insertion of, say, a paperclip. I put these in my child's room. The add-on receptacle covers are ugly, easy for any toddler to defeat and, ironically, many are small enough to be a choking hazard according to CR. You might suggest some of these if relevant, only $2 more.

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 09, 1999 09:46am | #2

   *Scooter, these "new" outlets employ the same fastening mechanism as many of the GFCI outlets that have been available for years. Some "Commercial or Spec. Grade" outlets have been available for a while too. Be certain they are equipped with the metal backs, and have a 12 gauge wire capacity. A pigtail die-hard...

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 09, 1999 11:19pm | #3

   *Thanks everybody!When did these come out? Was I asleep? No fanfare or nothing.I haven't used the spring quick-connect in about 10 years, after I got a call back, and have been using metal backed duplexes since.I guess I'll give 'em a try.

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 10, 1999 12:29am | #4

   *In fact, the backwire is OK for 10 gauge. And of course get the solid metal band backs.Leviton has an exhausting Web page. Try Leviton receptacles. They even have a 1Mb PDF file just about straight-blade receptacles -- spellbinding. (Or just go to HD and buy one!)I'm sure hardcore electricians check for features like these (I just liked the graphic, from the Leviton catalog):View Image

2. 
   Guest_ | Mar 11, 1999 10:11am | #5

   *Scooter;These have been around in spec or commercial grade for over 10 years! Look beyond the wiring, the commercial ones "feel" better. Smoother, better blade retention. Still, difference is around $2 each.Adam

3. 
   Guest_ | Mar 14, 1999 11:32pm | #6

   *I guy asked me a few months ago whether the electrical code said that the ground socket has to be on the top of the outlet, as shown on the leviton illustration above. (,',)I told him no. He seemed dissapointed. I've always installed them the other way around, with the ground side down, as in a pansey-face. ('.').What's the preference?

4. 
   G.LaLonde | Mar 14, 1999 11:41pm | #7

   *Gary, There actually is a logical reason for installing them with the ground up.....If the plug sags part way out of the receptacle or if something metallic lands on top of it, you don't have the current carrying blades of the plug exposed.

5. 
   Guest_ | Mar 16, 1999 04:10am | #8

   *Yuppers...A fireman/electrician gave me that advice fifteen some odd years ago...That's how we do it,J

6. 
   Guest_ | Mar 16, 1999 05:55pm | #9

   *That is the logic. Of course my customers always like them installed as faces because that is what they are used to. They like to look at earthlings rather than aliens. Electrical inspectors seem not to care. Use the choice you prefer.Frank

7. 
   Guest_ | Mar 16, 1999 08:32pm | #10

   *So do you first ask your customers, "Would you prefer little faces or aliens?" It is good logic -- I forgot to screw down a metal coverplate on a receptacle here & when my wife went to pull out a wall wart, big flash... Oops. Of course, most plugs don't have ground prongs. I use plastic (& screws!) now. & I'll mount little aliens in the shop, where plugs worm their way out all the time.

8. 
   Guest_ | Mar 16, 1999 08:41pm | #12

   *I used to ask....no more...just aliens,J