Failed Leviton switches

[retirede]

My home was built in 97. I’ve replaced about half a dozen failed Leviton switches over the years, mainly in high-use areas. Back then, they were $0.19 in big box stores.

 

[macmikeman]

So far in this thread nobody mentioned about how you are supposed to go out and buy arc fault protection devices for every single cheap residential device you replace in a dwelling , when ever some homeowner calls and tells you the light isn't working anymore.............


We all do it without thinking twice about it , right?

 

[James L]

Enforcement or not, (not going to touch if they function per design criteria) if there was a fire that was ruled to be electrical in nature, and you knowingly didn't install per code, you would be left holding the bag. And could be held criminally liable, precedence made in Mass.

Electrician Gets 5 Years in Wiring-Fire Death (Published 1990)

www.nytimes.com

I don't live my life worrying about what might happen once in a million years

 

[VirutalElectrician]

When you're paying an electrician 100 plus an hour, does it really pay to use a 99 cent device vs a $10 heavy duty spec grade device? You can install a quality back wire device faster than a crappy side wire.

 

[Frank DuVal]

I built mine in 99, replaced one Leviton $0.39 switch so far. I call that OK.

Have no idea what was in NYT article, as they want me to pay to read. I guess I already used up my free ones.

 

[ptonsparky]

...
Have no idea what was in NYT article, as they want me to pay to read. I guess I already used up my free ones.

Aggravating. My phone keeps pointing me to an app that would allow me to read articles from wherever.

I'm not inclined, but the reviews of the app are bottom of the barrel making the likelihood even lower.

 

[jerryalan]

Enforcement or not, (not going to touch if they function per design criteria) if there was a fire that was ruled to be electrical in nature, and you knowingly didn't install per code, you would be left holding the bag. And could be held criminally liable, precedence made in Mass.

Electrician Gets 5 Years in Wiring-Fire Death (Published 1990)

www.nytimes.com

The state showed that Mr. Salz had been reckless when he connected the 120-volt heating unit to a 240-volt circuit box, causing overheating and burning wall paneling. He also failed to attach a nut that would have tripped the circuit breaker when the heater short-circuited, testimony showed. Mr. Salz committed other code violations, ignored manufacturers's instructions and failed to obtain a permit.