Are "push in" outlets still legal

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wn4isx

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In the early 1970s I lived in a mobile home that had serious electrical issues., the outlets and switches all used "push in terminals, and were intermittent. These require ~3/8" of the insulation be stripped and the bare wire inserted into a small hole on the back of the NEMA 5-15R and light switches. I moved out after a month.

I'm building a new radio desk, I'm an amateur radio operator, and went to Lowe's to pick up some NEMA 5-15R outlets and was amazed to see "push in" outlets for sale.

Needless to say I went with high quality screw type outlets but I was shocked to see the push in outlets for sale.
Does the NEC still allow them?

I'm a retired electrical engineer, not an electrician. I like the outlets that have a clamping plate, strip the wire, insert it and tighten the screw which pulls two plates together.

Just for giggles I bought a push in outlet, wired it to ha 12AWG gage extension cord and measured the voltage drop across the push and grab connection with a 1200 watt space heater. It was 5 volts versus a few millivolts on a clamping plate outlet. In addition, the push in outlet became uncomfortable warm after 10 minutes.

Are these outlets are legal, if so, why?

Thank you, these web pages have helped me explain to fellow amateur radio operators how to ensure their antenna systems met NEC requirements.

Terrence Fugate
 
I approved this as it is not a DIY how to question. If this becomes a "how to" thread, it will be closed.

Listed 15 amp wiring devices with "push-in" connections are available and they have never been prohibited by the NEC.
A number of years ago the rules were revised to prohibit their use with anything other than 14 AWG copper conductors.

As far as your test connection, push-in on wiring devices are not suitable for use with stranded conductors.
 
wn4isx said:
Just for giggles I bought a push in outlet, wired it to ha 12AWG gage extension cord ...
Click to expand...
No, you didn't. A "push in" (back stab) receptacle will not accept a 12 gauge wire. That changed back in the 90s

I remember when it changed, we all moaned about how much more time and effort it would take to curl 12ga wire and wrap it. Some even went so far as to drill the holes bigger to accept 12ga wire. I thought that was ridiculous.

For what it's worth, the pressure plates *can* have isdues, too. Tighten the screw on the neutral, then spin the receptacle around, and the pressure plate can loosen. Happens a LOT on gfci with thinner plate
 
James L said:
For what it's worth, the pressure plates *can* have issues, too. Tighten the screw on the neutral, then spin the receptacle around, and the pressure plate can loosen. Happens a LOT on gfci with thinner plate
Click to expand...
I assume that effect is limited to solid wire and shouldn't happen with stranded?
 
James L said:
For what it's worth, the pressure plates *can* have issues, too. Tighten the screw on the neutral, then spin the receptacle around, and the pressure plate can loosen. Happens a LOT on gfci with thinner plate
Click to expand...
I wonder if slightly flattening solid wire with a pliers could help prevent the wire from spinning and loosening. Most pliers don't give you much leverage, but I tried it on some wire and it wasn't hard to produce a small flat area. Doing this would take an extra step, but if the problem happens frequently in certain situations it might be worth considering,
 
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don_resqcapt19 said:
I approved this as it is not a DIY how to question. If this becomes a "how to" thread, it will be closed.

Listed 15 amp wiring devices with "push-in" connections are available and they have never been prohibited by the NEC.
A number of years ago the rules were revised to prohibit their use with anything other than 14 AWG copper conductors.

As far as your test connection, push-in on wiring devices are not suitable for use with stranded conductors.
Click to expand...
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I only asked because of the "sub-optimal" electrical outlets I experienced in the rental property. I removed the cover plate and outlets and the 14AWG wire wiggled in the "push in" 'grabber clamps;' I changed one outlet and disassembled the one I'd removed. The copper pinchers were discolored as though from being over heated/ Based on that one experience, every put;let in the place was intermittent. I saved the disassembled outlet and bit of copper for years.

Based on that one experience I assumed "push in" outlets were certainly outlawed.

FWIW, the rental property experienced an electrical fire a few years later.

As I said, I am not an electrician and know I am rather ignorant when it comes to the NEC.
Thank you for clearing up my confusion and feel free to delete or lock this thread.
 
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