Older Switch & Receptacle Questions

[peter d]

I'm 100% certain the change in "backstabs" from #12 to #14 only was a UL listing change and had nothing to do with the NEC.

 

[readydave8]

I'm 100% certain the change in "backstabs" from #12 to #14 only was a UL listing change and had nothing to do with the NEC.

Thanks doesn't make sense otherwise

 

[mtfallsmikey]

Smiling in your face, all the time they wanna take your place... the backstabbers.

 

[JFletcher]

Thank you for all the replies and information. I found that switch with the wire strippers built into the yoke ears, it is an Eagle brand switch with backstabs that can accept number 12 wire... So fairly old. Will post a picture of it in the morning. I did try using it on a piece of number 14, and it worked fairly easily... it also has a small hole in the yoke to make the loop to put on the side screw terminals... was there some shortage of wire strippers in the late 80s early 90s? LOL

As far as number 12 backstabs disappearing, I would imagine it's because one could push aluminum wire into such a device, not because of the tension difference between number 12 number 14... Otherwise Wago and ideal connectors would not accept anywhere from number 10 to number 18. Maybe it was because of the bad connection. Also I'll post a pic of a new Switch and receptacle with backstabs that have no pry outs, and the lettering single-use only. They are Hubble brand contractor packs, with yellow bodies.

 

[junkhound]

Don't know when #12 backstab stopped,
but was at the end of an outlet string in 1973 and had a #12 backstab left in parts box and used it.
So, sometime after 1973.