pigtailing or back stabbing outlets

pigtailing or back stabbing outlets

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acrwc10 said:
So I guess you don't do receptacles. Or do you home run every outlet back to the panel ? :D
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I think he means he does neither. Meaning he wraps the wires around the screw terminals even if there are 2 sets of conductors.

I pigtail if there are 3 sets of conductors, but other wise I use the stablocks.
 
I always get a kick out of pulling out a receptacle and all the screws and all the holes are used up. They normally do that because the box is already undersized, and there's no room for wirenuts. Really makes my day.
 
mdshunk said:
I always get a kick out of pulling out a receptacle and all the screws and all the holes are used up. They normally do that because the box is already undersized, and there's no room for wirenuts. Really makes my day.
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Then you've seen all the screws and all the backstabs used as well, I'm sure.:wink:
 
mdshunk said:
I always get a kick out of pulling out a receptacle and all the screws and all the holes are used up. They normally do that because the box is already undersized, and there's no room for wirenuts. Really makes my day.
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Yes, when that happens the box is almost always a B116 or a B118, or 2.5" deep metal sectional device box. And there is mostly romex sheathing in the box too.
 
steelersman said:
I think he means he does neither. Meaning he wraps the wires around the screw terminals even if there are 2 sets of conductors.

I pigtail if there are 3 sets of conductors, but other wise I use the stablocks.
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There are afew on this sight that would have you flogged for that :D But I have yet to see any one come up with a statistic that shows this as a faulty or less reliable method of wiring. You have to figure Millions of receptacles and switch's get installed each year of those a large portion have been "back stabbed". personally I will only back stab the receptacle if I know the load on it is going to be negligible , like the igniter on a cook top, other then that I'd rather pig tail then loop the screw.
 
Twoskinsoneman said:
You'll find a lot of threads with this topic...

I prefer pigtailing.
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Looping on screws there is no option for this. pigtailing is ok but a waste of time . Backstabbing just makes me feel dirty so I take a shower. I can hook and screw receptacles as many or more a day than the so called speedy backstabers.
 
mdshunk said:
That's what I'm saying. Feels like you're trying to bend 500MCM pushing that mess back in the box.
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Then you realize it's a cut-in box as soon as the ears push through the drywall.
angry.gif
 
I like it when other electricians backstab devices, its money in my pocket later when I go back to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
 
peter d said:
Watch out. The chorus of "You are a hack" is coming. ;)
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It's ok. I already know that most people on here think that you're a hack if you backstab. I do it because it's what I learned to do when I used to wire and final houses. It's all about speed. But I can honestly say that I do think that using the screws is a better way. It's just not nearly as fast. I even used the stabs in my own home when I changed out the old nasty ivory colored devices. And I didn't even turn off the power. :)
 
acrwc10 said:
personally I will only back stab the receptacle if I know the load on it is going to be negligible , like the igniter on a cook top, other then that I'd rather pig tail then loop the screw.
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Yes but aren't you still looping the screw after you pigtail, or are you stabbing it after pigtailing?
 
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