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Posted: 8/22/2023 6:49:35 PM EST
Bought new outlets.

WTF?


Is this 12 g and the outlet only takes 14?

What about a drill bit and opening it up just a little?


I really don't want to old school loop them I have 6 outlets.


Thanks for any help/suggestions


Link Posted: 8/22/2023 6:55:05 PM EST
[#1]
Do not use the stab in the back of the receptacle,  use wire nuts and make your connections, then wrap the screws then wrap tape around them.

25 year Master Electrician.
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 6:59:42 PM EST
[#2]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Do not use the stab in the back of the receptacle,  use wire nuts and make your connections, then wrap the screws then wrap tape around them.

25 year Master Electrician.
View Quote

Link Posted: 8/22/2023 7:01:25 PM EST
[#3]
Do NOT back stab.

Loop around screws.  It is not "old school" it is "right school".

Just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you should do something.
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 7:03:49 PM EST
[#4]
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 7:09:49 PM EST
[#5]
Thanks for setting me straight.

I'm go get 20 amp.

I'll use screws.

I didn't follow the first one on the wire nuts. I'll Google that part.

Thank you.


Did not know they started fires -YIKES!
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 7:17:17 PM EST
[#6]
Never go full on stabby stabby... Also the fact that you asked about drilling them terrifies me... hire an electrician... for the love of god.....
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 7:18:47 PM EST
[#7]
Or you can move to these and make life a hell of a lot easier

Wago outlet
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 7:20:25 PM EST
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Thanks for setting me straight.

I'm go get 20 amp.

I'll use screws.

I didn't follow the first one on the wire nuts. I'll Google that part.

Thank you.


Did not know they started fires -YIKES!
View Quote


You can absolutely use 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp circuit.  You do NOT need new outlets.  This is code compliant.  The only time I know you need a 20 amp outlet ona  20 amp circuit, is when the circuit is dedicated to a single outlet and nothing else.

Almost every house around here uses 20 amp circuits, and 100% 15 amp outlets.
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 7:32:39 PM EST
[#9]
This website is worth every penny.
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 7:35:59 PM EST
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Or you can move to these and make life a hell of a lot easier

Wago outlet
View Quote


I think we will be seeing a lot more of these.
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 7:42:03 PM EST
[#11]
Back Stabby is never a good idea.

Link Posted: 8/22/2023 7:51:35 PM EST
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


You can absolutely use 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp circuit.  You do NOT need new outlets.  This is code compliant.  The only time I know you need a 20 amp outlet ona  20 amp circuit, is when the circuit is dedicated to a single outlet and nothing else.

Almost every house around here uses 20 amp circuits, and 100% 15 amp outlets.
View Quote


Truth bomb.
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 7:58:41 PM EST
[#13]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Never go full on stabby stabby... Also the fact that you asked about drilling them terrifies me... hire an electrician... for the love of god.....
View Quote


God is capitalized. Always.


And I said use a drill bit, not drill them.




I got the wire but part, pigtails. Makes the entire ordeal much easier.

Thank you!

Link Posted: 8/22/2023 9:19:09 PM EST
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Do not use the stab in the back of the receptacle,  use wire nuts and make your connections, then wrap the screws then wrap tape around them.

25 year Master Electrician.
View Quote
FPNI.  Stab connections invariably loosen and are a fire hazard.
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 9:31:51 PM EST
[#15]
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 10:04:15 PM EST
[#16]
I found some outlets where the back has the holes to put the wires in, however, you still tighten the screws on the side to secure them.
Link Posted: 8/22/2023 10:16:35 PM EST
[#17]
Link Posted: 8/23/2023 11:00:37 AM EST
[#18]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I found some outlets where the back has the holes to put the wires in, however, you still tighten the screws on the side to secure them.
View Quote

This is a feature usually found on higher quality outlets. When I'm buying outlets this is what I always buy.


OP, pigtails are best when making connections to multiple outlets on a string. It reduces voltage drop and heat.


Lastly, outlets OP has sounds like cheap 15A outlets. I've seen many cheap 15A outlets that include side screws AND backstabs but the backstabs are only rated for 14 ga wire. It should say right on the outlet that the backstabs are only for 15A circuits/14 ga wire.
Link Posted: 8/23/2023 2:01:54 PM EST
[#19]
Lots of good info


It's the dining room, 5 outlets. Big table, small room. I doubt anything more than phone chargers get used in there.

On the one outlet with the gaggle of wires, can I put all of them on one pigtail?
Link Posted: 8/23/2023 4:31:04 PM EST
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Lots of good info


It's the dining room, 5 outlets. Big table, small room. I doubt anything more than phone chargers get used in there.

On the one outlet with the gaggle of wires, can I put all of them on one pigtail?
View Quote

Dining rooms are wired with 12 gauge wire and on a 20 amp breaker since there is potential you could be plugging food warming appliances in to them.
Link Posted: 8/23/2023 6:04:04 PM EST
[#21]
Link Posted: 8/23/2023 7:39:33 PM EST
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Which you have no idea if this is in fact the case. No one asked, and OP never confirmed.

Better safe than sorry.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:


You can absolutely use 15 amp outlets on a 20 amp circuit.  You do NOT need new outlets.  This is code compliant.  The only time I know you need a 20 amp outlet ona  20 amp circuit, is when the circuit is dedicated to a single outlet and nothing else.

Almost every house around here uses 20 amp circuits, and 100% 15 amp outlets.


Which you have no idea if this is in fact the case. No one asked, and OP never confirmed.

Better safe than sorry.


The op stated he had 6 outlets to replace so i think its safe to assume its not a dedicated circuit
Link Posted: 8/24/2023 7:38:09 AM EST
[#23]
Wall nuts?


Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 8/24/2023 1:15:22 PM EST
[#24]
Dining room done all pigtailed out.

Tyvm

Bedroom ceiling fan has SPST handle switch. Switch controls light only, fan on back stab always hot



I like how it's wired. I don't want the fan switched but you guys have me all paranoid about the stab part
Link Posted: 8/24/2023 3:44:49 PM EST
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Dining room done all pigtailed out.

Tyvm

Bedroom ceiling fan has SPST handle switch. Switch controls light only, fan on back stab always hot



I like how it's wired. I don't want the fan switched but you guys have me all paranoid about the stab part
View Quote

I wouldn't fret too much about a single ceiling fan on back stabs. But if it bothers you pigtail the switch with the fan always powered.
Link Posted: 8/24/2023 6:53:33 PM EST
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I like how it's wired. I don't want the fan switched but you guys have me all paranoid about the stab part
View Quote


It's only an issue with plugs that see a lot of use and high amperage loads.  Fan is a non issue.
Link Posted: 8/24/2023 7:49:59 PM EST
[#27]
I pig tailed it.


My last house I ended up replacing all the switches with illuminated and all covers to brushed stainless.


I got half the house done today, Amazon will bring the rest over the next two days and I'll be done with electric upgrades.

Still not happy I cannot find an illuminated 4 Way handle switch for the top of the steps. I don't like rocker switches but that's all I can find.

Thank you for all the professional guidance. I sleep much better knowing it's all done right. Not just code (fucking wall nuts -lol), but correct. The way a sparky would do his house!

Like somebody said, this place is awesome!



Link Posted: 8/28/2023 9:17:14 AM EST
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

I wouldn't fret too much about a single ceiling fan on back stabs. But if it bothers you pigtail the switch with the fan always powered.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Dining room done all pigtailed out.

Tyvm

Bedroom ceiling fan has SPST handle switch. Switch controls light only, fan on back stab always hot



I like how it's wired. I don't want the fan switched but you guys have me all paranoid about the stab part

I wouldn't fret too much about a single ceiling fan on back stabs. But if it bothers you pigtail the switch with the fan always powered.


I would.  A back stabber on a ceiling fan blowing out and burning all over the box is what made me replace every single receptacle and switch in my house.
Link Posted: 9/8/2023 2:28:16 PM EST
[#29]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Back Stabby is never a good idea.

View Quote

I am gradually going thru my house and replacing all of the outlets it came with.  Based on the workmanship, or lack of it, I have determined that there were three guys doing the work.  

Some of the backstab outlets were also used as circuit junctions.  In one situation, the dumb-shit used both backstabs and one wrap-around as a junction.  That outlet showed signs of overheating, despite never having had high-draw items plugged into it.  The heat came from items downstream.  A wire nut junction would have been correct, but would have taken more time.
Link Posted: 9/8/2023 4:41:32 PM EST
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Do not use the stab in the back of the receptacle,  use wire nuts and make your connections, then wrap the screws then wrap tape around them.

25 year Master Electrician.
View Quote


Gospel

I like wagos with a pig tail going to the outlet. I usually use stranded wire for the pig tail


<----not an electrician
Link Posted: 9/8/2023 4:43:41 PM EST
[#31]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Thanks for setting me straight.

I'm go get 20 amp.

I'll use screws.

I didn't follow the first one on the wire nuts. I'll Google that part.

Thank you.


Did not know they started fires -YIKES!
View Quote


Most of the 20 amp outlets I've used have a clamp plate instead of a screw for a loop
Link Posted: 9/8/2023 4:49:23 PM EST
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History


Wago lever nuts are better. I bought the Ideal brand similar to this pic. wire often came loose YMMV
Link Posted: 9/8/2023 5:27:24 PM EST
[#33]
How To Wire An Electrical Outlet - EASY Receptacle Wiring STEP BY STEP
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