just say NO to back stab

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tthh

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Denver
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Retired Engineer
A friend sent me some photos. Asked what would cause this..

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I said there is a problem and I need to see under the plate...

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This is near the ocean in NC and has also had at least one hurricane experience that caused damage inside. I told him I can't believe the rehab contractor didn't go to every box and inspect every device. I don't know if this is from being a block from the ocean or storm damage or both. But, it looks like that are all back stab and that's probably causing the overheating of one or more switches.
 
I’m not sure that what we’re looking at is “over heating” just looks like rust/corrosion on the yokes probably from the infiltration of sea water mist/moisture. As far as the plate, maybe some effects of a sun beaten warm wall warping the nylon plate?
Because I do not see heat damage to the conductor insulation.
Non-the-less, I give back stabs a 👎 anyhow.
 
I also got from him this room is little used and the plate wasn't that way before and the ceiling fan had been on for several days in the room.

I agree that until it is dismantled, it is a guess -- but, I think it is a good place to start.
 
It might be my screen but it looks like to whole back of the box is missing. If that is the case it can be heat from within the wall. We had nylon plates curling at a school once and it was from kitchen equipment on the other side of the wall.
 
roger said:
It might be my screen but it looks like to whole back of the box is missing. If that is the case it can be heat from within the wall. We had nylon plates curling at a school once and it was from kitchen equipment on the other side of the wall.
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That was a good catch Rodger. It does look like some one has chewed the back of the box out or off.
 
Buck Parrish said:
It does look like some one has chewed the back of the box out or off.
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Those electricians in NC must have really strong teeth. Had to say that.

There could be corrosion at the back stabs ( we can't see that). With that much rust it probably wouldn't help to wrap around the terminals, the same conditions that cause rust cause corrosion.

I would say they need to replace everything, box and all. Looks like they needed a more shallow box.
 
tthh said:
I also got from him this room is little used and the plate wasn't that way before and the ceiling fan had been on for several days in the room.

I agree that until it is dismantled, it is a guess -- but, I think it is a good place to start.
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Great observation. Ya know, I just assumed that was paint...it's not. My friend says...oh, you're right, I didn't notice that, the back of the box is ripped off. UFB

I had told him already that, IMO, every junction box in the house needs to be inspected and fixed if necessary by an electrician. This just drives that home more.
 
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These are back stabbed because the screw is out.

I bet high humidity caused this,. With the back of the box missing there may have been a lot of air flow through the box.
 
Yes , it looks like they may have had the windows open and let the salty air in.

Either that or the installer carried the switches in the back of his open bed truck for six months befor he installed them;)
 
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