Backstabbing Receptacles

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kwired

Electron manager
Location
NE Nebraska
Most burnt receptacles I've seen have been overheated from the front. Most seem to have been caused by damage. Probably people yanking or tripping on cords

I've occasionally seen a backstabbed receptacle with severe heat damage to the conductors. Just this past week I went troubleshooting and almost knew what I'd be looking for before I showed up. Loose backstabbed neutrals. It does happen, for sure. But I think you're probably right overall.

Honestly, I think we have a bigger responsibility, which is to inform the public of the importance of maintenance. Whether it's screw terminals, backstabs, cord damage, or whatever, I'm not gonna bash any receptacle that's held up for 30 years or more. It's past time to start thinking about mass replacement of devices.
I agree. but only way to sell this is with scare tactics and even that won't get a sale on maybe 60-70 percent of people. If it is still working they just not interested in paying you to mess with it, I don't blame them either I probably would be same way if I new nothing about this kind of thing though.

I probably don't do a lot of things doctors recommend either, kind of no different.
 

Knuckle Dragger

Master Electrician Electrical Contractor 01752
Location
Marlborough, Massachusetts USA
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
if you don't like backstabbing, you are free not to do so.

personally, i get a kick out of electricians who use the screws then wrap tape around the whole outlet assembly to prevent the loose ground wire from getting at the screws.
I do it when making it up devices in metal boxes especially with Madison bars. Kick away;)
 

jmellc

Senior Member
Location
Durham, NC
Occupation
Facility Maintenance Tech. Licensed Electrician
I do it when making it up devices in metal boxes especially with Madison bars. Kick away;)
I agree. but only way to sell this is with scare tactics and even that won't get a sale on maybe 60-70 percent of people. If it is still working they just not interested in paying you to mess with it, I don't blame them either I probably would be same way if I new nothing about this kind of thing though.

I probably don't do a lot of things doctors recommend either, kind of no different.
Only time I’ve sold mass replacement is if most receptacles in the house were worn out or damaged. Some last well.
 

jmellc

Senior Member
Location
Durham, NC
Occupation
Facility Maintenance Tech. Licensed Electrician
yeah it costs jmeelc, but there was a time when this mans trade had finesse, had class and craftsmanship

not all this 'quicker is better' baloney that's marketed these days

~RJ~
Agreed about sloppy work but we can overdo it buying too many expensive books. Even the instructor I knew who had it didn’t urge us to buy them. Cost of an NEC is already high & the supplements to it as well. Tools are high, classes too.
 

jmellc

Senior Member
Location
Durham, NC
Occupation
Facility Maintenance Tech. Licensed Electrician
if you don't like backstabbing, you are free not to do so.

personally, i get a kick out of electricians who use the screws then wrap tape around the whole outlet assembly to prevent the loose ground wire from getting at the screws.
Hitting the screws will cause an arc regardless if stabbed or screwed. I don’t always tape but I do in boxes with jiffy clips or metal fire rings. Sometimes if box is crowded with several devices & bare ground wires.
 
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