I was told yesterday by a licensed electrical contractor that it is a code violation to use the stab lock or screws on a receptacle. That you have to wire nut and pig tail a wire to the device. Citing 300.13B - Device Removal. In multiwire branch circuits, the continuity of a grounded conductor shall not depend on device connections such as lampholders, receptacles, and so forth, where the removal of such devices would interrupt the continuity. Any input would help.
Feed through on receptacle.
- Thread starter erdy7821
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kentirwin
Senior Member
- Location
- Norfolk, VA
Re: Feed through on receptacle.
If the receptacle circuit is part of a multi-wire branch circuit then it is true that you must pigtail the grounded conductors (neutrals) instead of "feeding through" via the device terminals.
If the receptacle circuit is part of a multi-wire branch circuit then it is true that you must pigtail the grounded conductors (neutrals) instead of "feeding through" via the device terminals.
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Feed through on receptacle.
Then why would a rule related to multi-wire branch circuits come into play?
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Re: Feed through on receptacle.
As Charlie stated the rule for multiwire branch circuits would not apply to individual circuits. You're free to use the backstabs (only with #14 conductors), screws or pigtail them if you like.
macmikeman
Senior Member
- Location
- Planet macmikeman
Re: Feed through on receptacle.
The code only states that removal of the device must not open the grounded conductor connection. If you strip a section of your neutral, install the stripped section around a neutral side screw and continue the neutral unbroken on to another device, you do not need to use a wire nut. It shows a wire nut in the handbook, but this is not the only way.
The code only states that removal of the device must not open the grounded conductor connection. If you strip a section of your neutral, install the stripped section around a neutral side screw and continue the neutral unbroken on to another device, you do not need to use a wire nut. It shows a wire nut in the handbook, but this is not the only way.
peter d
Senior Member
- Location
- New England
Re: Feed through on receptacle.
I was told this same thing once and I believed it. That was before I knew better.
One thing I have learned in this trade is to ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS!
If someone tells you that "It's code," ask them to show it to you in the code book.
In your case, you were shown a reference, which is correct in only one case. It is not a blanket requirement to pigtail all device connections.
I was told this same thing once and I believed it. That was before I knew better.
One thing I have learned in this trade is to ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS!
If someone tells you that "It's code," ask them to show it to you in the code book.
In your case, you were shown a reference, which is correct in only one case. It is not a blanket requirement to pigtail all device connections.
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