pigtailing or back stabbing outlets

pigtailing or back stabbing outlets

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wirebender said:
14 on switch legs.
They do not require any 15 amp CBs.
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Let me get this straight. They require all #12, but allow #14 for switch legs on a 20 amp circuit. Right?

If so, that now tops the list as the dumbest local code rule I've ever heard. Not just because it's an NEC violation, but because it just defies logic altogether.
 
peter d said:
Let me get this straight. They require all #12, but allow #14 for switch legs on a 20 amp circuit. Right?

If so, that now tops the list as the dumbest local code rule I've ever heard. Not just because it's an NEC violation, but because it just defies logic altogether.
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That's my take on it.

If that's the case, I'd forgo using 14 altogether. Make it all 12 and be done with it and sleep at night.
 
peter d said:
Let me get this straight. They require all #12, but allow #14 for switch legs on a 20 amp circuit. Right?

If so, that now tops the list as the dumbest local code rule I've ever heard. Not just because it's an NEC violation, but because it just defies logic altogether.
Click to expand...

Yes, that is correct.
The funny part is that an ex inspector from there told me the reason they started allowing only #12 was so that if a circuit transitioned from 12 to 14 then the inspectors would not have to trace the circuit back to the panel to see if it was on a 15A CB.:grin:

I can only assume they had a problem with people running #12 home runs to a room and spidering out with #14.
 
wirebender said:
Yes, that is correct.
The funny part is that an ex inspector from there told me the reason they started allowing only #12 was so that if a circuit transitioned from 12 to 14 then the inspectors would not have to trace the circuit back to the panel to see if it was on a 15A CB.:grin:

I can only assume they had a problem with people running #12 home runs to a room and spidering out with #14.
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Reminds me of those beer commercials " Pure Men of Genius."
 
wirebender said:
Yes, that is correct.
The funny part is that an ex inspector from there told me the reason they started allowing only #12 was so that if a circuit transitioned from 12 to 14 then the inspectors would not have to trace the circuit back to the panel to see if it was on a 15A CB.:grin:

I can only assume they had a problem with people running #12 home runs to a room and spidering out with #14.
Click to expand...

Then I would tell the inspector to look at 90.1(C) really close. Upsizing an HR wire is common practice in the trade. Instead of performing a knee-jerk (and absolutely stupid) reaction such as this, they should instead concentrate on enforcing the rules already in place.

So the next time a HO uses #12 to run to his electric dryer or water heater, they're going to require all cirucits to be run in #10?

Whoever suggested this local rule should be shot, hung, dragged and quartered, stoned, placed in a rack, and burned at the stake.
SetOnFire.gif
 
I have no problem with (an) a electrical contractor using the backstabs as long as they use them properly and quite frankly they can pigtail if they choose as well.

Personally I don't call them HACKs or what ever some wish to call them..I call them Electricians who choose to use the device potentially in the manner that UL Listed the device and if it has back stabs on it and they use it properly...fine and I pass their installation accordingly.

Now with that said...I would say the majority of my work I pigtailed but I can honestly say in my 20+ year career I have used the backstabs on more than one situation....

As to being a HACK when I did it......nope..I felt no different, no need for a shower to wash off the HACKNESS and well......if it comes loose down the road, so be it as I will let UL deal with the issue if they deem the need.
 
radiopet said:
I have no problem with (an) a electrical contractor using the backstabs as long as they use them properly and quite frankly they can pigtail if they choose as well.

Personally I don't call them HACKs or what ever some wish to call them..I call them Electricians who choose to use the device potentially in the manner that UL Listed the device and if it has back stabs on it and they use it properly...fine and I pass their installation accordingly.

Now with that said...I would say the majority of my work I pigtailed but I can honestly say in my 20+ year career I have used the backstabs on more than one situation....

As to being a HACK when I did it......nope..I felt no different, no need for a shower to wash off the HACKNESS and well......if it comes loose down the road, so be it as I will let UL deal with the issue if they deem the need.
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I like your thought on this subject. If it's UL approved then it's fine. If you build it they will come. :)
 
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