Replies

1. 
   Cliff_Popejoy | May 13, 2001 06:29pm | #1

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   Gene,

   You have a couple of options here.

   First, ask your Sparky for the info on manufacturer & part #s of the devices. Then go to the mfgr's website or a retailer and verfiy that it's spec grade stuff.

   Second, ask to see a switch or outlet. There are a couple of things that usually distinguish "homeowner" grade junk from spec grade.
   One is the device strap--the metal strap that goes from the device to the box. A spec gdare device will have a strap that runs uninterrupted across it's back. A cheap one wil have two short separate pieces of metal, usually noticeably thinner gage than the spec device.

   The second is the terminals. The spec grade will have good quality screws for side-wire terminals, and will have clamp backwire holes. When oyu tighten the screws, a small metal plate is pulled tight and clamps the wire that's been put into the hole. The cheapo will have a spring backwire, where a little bronze spring grabs the wire pushed into the backwire hole. The spring will eventually lose its spring, and the contact area wire and spring (which is the current path) is very small. Not good, not good at all.

   Another thing is the contact pressure. A spec grade outlet really grabs the plug blades well. A cheapo is weak to start, and in a few years will barely hold the plug.

   You could go to a hardware store of big box and look at the two greades of devices. The differences in quality will be obvious.

1. 
   bake_ | May 14, 2001 03:39pm | #2

   *The toggle handle is also oh so slightly longer on a spec grade switch

2. 
   GeneDavis | May 14, 2001 03:39pm | #3

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   If I ask my electrical sub to upgrade the job to this from what he normally uses, how can I tell by brand name and model numbers whether I am getting "spec" grade?