Have Backstabs Improved?

[steelersman]

You're kidding, right?


OK, if you're not:

A derogatory term used colloquially in reference to a nonunion worker who takes the place of a union employee on strike.

That said, let's not turn this into a Union/non-Union debate, please.

Well I know that I've been told the meaning before but I forgot. Also I don't think that was the definition I was told. I think it was just a more general definition like: a non-union worker. I think we're all humans and we all need to work so union or non-union who cares. I have nothing against either one.

 

[celtic]

You're not suggesting that using approved cheap receptacles is any worse than using approved stab-holes, are you?

I'm with Larry. I get the "cheap" ones from HD or Lowe's and I use the screws. I think it provides a better overall connection.

I find it ironic that those that preach the screw mantra as being a superior method will then use a low quality (code minimum, if you prefer) device.

It's kind of ridiculous....kind of like putting 97 octane in a "hooptie"

 

[alfiesauce]

Maybe the customer supplied the material?
Man I hate using customer supplied material...

 

[480sparky]

I find it ironic that those that preach the screw mantra as being a superior method will then use a low quality (code minimum, if you prefer) device.

And you know this is true because.....?

 

[LarryFine]

I find it ironic that those that preach the screw mantra as being a superior method will then use a low quality (code minimum, if you prefer) device.

Well, "code minimum" certainly applies equally to back-stabbing and cheap receptacles. That was my point. How can a back-stabber criticize the use of cheap receptacles?

But then, I guess that makes me a hypocrite, since I use cheap receptacles. But I'd rather use the screw terminals on cheap receptacles than back-stab expensive ones.

It's kind of ridiculous....kind of like putting 97 octane in a "hooptie"

Okay, I'll play. "What's a hooptie do?"

 

[celtic]

Well, "code minimum" certainly applies equally to back-stabbing and cheap receptacles. That was my point. How can a back-stabber criticize the use of cheap receptacles?

But then, I guess that makes me a hypocrite, since I use cheap receptacles. But I'd rather use the screw terminals on cheap receptacles than back-stab expensive ones.

Fair enough Larry...we don't have to agree w/each other on this point, but I do respect your honesty.
TY
[Was I criticizing the use of cheap receptacles? :-? ]

Okay, I'll play. "What's a hooptie do?"

Oh come on!
I linked to it right on the word

 

[360Youth]

hey you guys that backstab devices, thanks for the service calls....

This subject is enough to turn me away from this site. I get a little sick and tired of the belief that using a UL listed device makes one less of an electrician (sorry bob, yours was the first post I came across :smile: , nothing personal, everyone has a right to their opinion and I generally like and appreciate your posts). I am sure one of the reasons I am fine with the backstab is that is how I was taught, but I also learned over time to check the device as they are put in in the same way one would varify the connection of a wire nut. If a wire is loose, or feels loose it either gets redone or replaced. I have had the wires pop out of the back but I have seen more melt downs because of a loose screw than a faulty stab. I did kinda of like the poll, but there has got to be a way to poll the idea and cut back on the whining.

Moderators, please let this subject go the way of the ground up vs. ground down and pull the plug.

 

[LarryFine]

Was I criticizing the use of cheap receptacles? :-?

Well, you tell me:

I find it ironic that those that preach the screw mantra as being a superior method will then use a low quality (code minimum, if you prefer) device.

You mentioned it, but I admit you didn't exactly 'criticize' it. You certainly didn't use it in a complimentary way. :smile:

Oh come on!
I linked to it right on the word

My retort was akin to "What's a henway?" :wink:

 

[LarryFine]

I did kinda of like the poll, but there has got to be a way to poll the idea and cut back on the whining.

But we like to whine.

 

[bikeindy]

Backstabbed devices create a lot of service work for us. We do not backstab but a lot of contractors do.

I have not seen many problems with over heating of back stabs I see some pop out but that is due to improper installation I guess like this guy who installed this thing.

 

[celtic]

This subject is enough to turn me away from this site. I get a little sick and tired of the belief that using a UL listed device makes one less of an electrician (sorry bob, yours was the first post I came across :smile: , nothing personal, everyone has a right to their opinion and I generally like and appreciate your posts). I am sure one of the reasons I am fine with the backstab is that is how I was taught, but I also learned over time to check the device as they are put in in the same way one would varify the connection of a wire nut. If a wire is loose, or feels loose it either gets redone or replaced. I have had the wires pop out of the back but I have seen more melt downs because of a loose screw than a faulty stab. I did kinda of like the poll, but there has got to be a way to poll the idea and cut back on the whining.

Moderators, please let this subject go the way of the ground up vs. ground down and pull the plug.

So it's "ok" to pull the plug AFTER you have voiced your opinion?
Let the the other 47,208 members voice their opinion.

 

[celtic]

Well, you tell me:
You mentioned it, but I admit you didn't exactly 'criticize' it. You certainly didn't use it in a complimentary way. :smile:

LOL...no it wasn't very complimentary....was it :smile:

 

[360Youth]

But we like to whine.

That's apparent.

 

[LarryFine]

So it's "ok" to pull the plug AFTER you have voiced your opinion?

Yeah, he's a closet-whiner himself. :grin:

 

[480sparky]

FWIW, here's some observations I think need to come out:

In order to determine whether back-stabs are 'unsafe', a study needs to be done. Does anyone have a link to a study?

The photo in bikeindy's post shows a melted recepticle that's been backstabbed. Was it the backstab that failed, or did the hot arc to ground? Was the device overloaded? What is the OCD amp rating that feeds it?

Some claim to see more backstab failures.... others claim more screw failures. My question is: Which is installed more, screws or backstabs? Answer that question with imperical data.

Does anyone know what the cmil is of the connection of a backstab?

 

[360Youth]

So it's "ok" to pull the plug AFTER you have voiced your opinion?
Let the the other 47,208 members voice their opinion.

How many times? You might as well re-open the other threads then. There are plenty of new members who have not had their chance.

 

[bikeindy]

What's a scab?

It is a small piece of 2x4 nailed to a stud to move your box over 1 1/2".

 

[360Youth]

Yeah, he's a closet-whiner himself. :grin:

Touche. I guess I should have kept it to a simple request. :roll: I guess I felt like a cornered rat. My skin is not usually that thin. :grin: But it does get tiresome, the arising debate.

 

[celtic]

How many times? You might as well re-open the other threads then. There are plenty of new members who have not had their chance.

You're right....fire off those requests to roger.



EDIT:

Touche. I guess I should have kept it to a simple request. :roll: I guess I felt like a cornered rat. My skin is not usually that thin. :grin: But it does get tiresome, the arising debate.

Ya know.....you don't have to read them, much less respond to them - and then demand they be shut down after you given your final authoritative opinion on the matter.

 

[bikeindy]

The photo in bikeindy's post shows a melted recepticle that's been backstabbed. Was it the backstab that failed, or did the hot arc to ground? Was the device overloaded? What is the OCD amp rating that feeds it?

NO NO NO look again that baby is on the screw it is just melted vary badly. you will notice the wire is around the screw the wrong way.

I am a back stabber and I put a 3 year warrenty on all my work and have not one time had a call back for a back stab device.