pigtailing or back stabbing outlets

[steelersman]

I can hold 2 screwdrivers and 2 sets of pliers I have 4 hooves. I can do the outlet below and the switch at the same time.

how do you even hold one hand tool? Cows have 4 hooves but no fingers or digits on them.

 

[Brady Electric]

pigtailing or back stabbing outlets

If properly done back stabbing is OK , that's what they make the holes for but I don't like it either.
I hate to go behind some electrician ( if you can call him that) that has skinned the wire to much and bear copper stickes out after back stabbing.

If I do or my help does it, I only allow it to be done on outlets.
Switches are a no no in case someone puts the travellers on the wrong side, I can switch them easier.
Pig-tailing OK as long as its done properly also but only if necessary.
Like everything else someone always screws it up and gives it a bad wrap.
I have even seen aluminum wire backed stabbed. What kind of idiot would do that?
Semper Fi Buddy

 

[Minuteman]

If properly done back stabbing is OK , that's what they make the holes for

Dare I bring up the #12 diatribe again? You know, some jurisdictions do not allow #14? So those holes mean nothin' to me. :grin:

 

[peter d]

You know, some jurisdictions do not allow #14?

Would you mind making a list of these jurisdictions so I can scratch them off the list of places to live?

 

[Minuteman]

Would you mind making a list of these jurisdictions so I can scratch them off the list of places to live?

I don't have such a list at the ready, but I live is one and work here is steady!

 

[peter d]

I don't have such a list at the ready, but I live is one and work here is steady!

Oklahoma? The whole state doesn't allow #14? Or just a particular city?

 

[Minuteman]

Oklahoma? The whole state doesn't allow #14? Or just a particular city?

Mixed, many major cities do not allow #14, even some small towns. It's all up to local amendments and hard to remember which one does and which don't.

 

[ultramegabob]

how do you even hold one hand tool? Cows have 4 hooves but no fingers or digits on them.

if you have to ask, you wont understand....

 

[Brady Electric]

pigtailing or back stabbing outlets

Dare I bring up the #12 diatribe again? You know, some jurisdictions do not allow #14? So those holes mean nothin' to me. :grin:

When I comment on this form unless specified I reply on the code in my state.
I have never heard of not being able to use #14 copper on a 15 amp circuit but I don't get out of my state wiring.
I never do anything that's not to code and if I work in another state or county I always check with there local issues.
Semper Fi Buddy

 

[wirebender]

Would you mind making a list of these jurisdictions so I can scratch them off the list of places to live?

Forest Hills, Texas.
Granbury, Texas (except for switch legs).

 

[SmithBuilt]

Forest Hills, Texas.
Granbury, Texas (except for switch legs).

So your only allowed to use a 15 amp breaker?

 

[480sparky]

I like it when other electricians backstab devices, its money in my pocket later when I go back to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Same here. I get a call every other week about power being out in part of a circuit. I walk in with a handful of 3-light testers to plug in, then start thumping the walls next to the devices. I watch for lights to flicker when I strike the wall, and within minutes I know which device has a failed back-stab.

 

[wirebender]

So your only allowed to use a 15 amp breaker?

From Granbury's Electrical Code:

(e) Type and wire size required. All romex (N.M.) used within the jurisdiction of the city shall be a minimum size 12.2 with ground. Wire size 14.2 with ground (N.M. romex) may be used for switch legs only and may only be used in single-family dwellings and in multifamily apartments only. Romex may not be used in any commercial applications. The electrical inspector shall have approval based on occupancy.

There is no mention of OCPD size.

Edit to add: BTW, they use the 1993 NEC.

 

[480sparky]

From Granbury's Electrical Code:
........
There is no mention of OCPD size.

Edit to add: BTW, they use the 1993 NEC.

Then the entire circuit would be required to be protected by a 15a circuit. All they have done is increase the cost of wiring the house with absolutely NO increase in safety.

 

[wirebender]

I agree.
I find it ironic that they went over and above the NEC only to then allow something that is non-compliant.
The reason they did this was to make it easier on the inspectors.

 

[480sparky]

I agree.
I find it ironic that they went over and above the NEC only to then allow something that is non-compliant.
The reason they did this was to make it easier on the inspectors.

What are they allowing that is not NEC compliant?

 

[wirebender]

14 on switch legs.
They do not require any 15 amp CBs.

 

[480sparky]

14 on switch legs.
They do not require any 15 amp CBs.

If they're using the NEC, even the 1993, it would require a 15 if the switch leg is awg14.

 

[wirebender]

They do not require any 15 amp CBs.

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[480sparky]

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