Unused Receptacle screws

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wireday

Senior Member
Location
New England
Occupation
Master electrician
Is there any other reason to screw unused receptacle screws in other than possibly shorting out on a metal box? I had a conversation with someone telling me it needed to be tightened in order for the receptacle to get proper power to the plug?
 
So many people, so many wrong opinions ...
Clearly, this "someone" has never taken a receptacle apart and examined its inner workings. If you can't avoid this person for life, encourage him to do so.
 
wireday said:
Is there any other reason to screw unused receptacle screws in other than possibly shorting out on a metal box? I had a conversation with someone telling me it needed to be tightened in order for the receptacle to get proper power to the plug?
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It is for aesthetic purpose only. My spouse would not like the way it looks from here. Make sure the slots are both perpendicular or parallel with the receptacle body. No cadywampus.
 
Back in the day when all boxes were metal it was a common practice to keep the extended screw away from the metal box just in case you needed to remove it in the future while it was energized. Many guys tightened the extra screw and then taped the device. Some still do.
 
Most of my work is NM in plastic boxes so I'm not going to short out the screw against the box, however the ground wire is bare and can easily short the receptacle if I'm not careful when folding the conductors. I tighten all unused screws in order to make them a smaller target.

I was taught to tape over the screws, but I don't feel that is necessary (and don't do it) except when installing a receptacle into a very old, very skinny metal box.
 
ptonsparky said:
It is for aesthetic purpose only. My spouse would not like the way it looks from here. Make sure the slots are both perpendicular or parallel with the receptacle body. No cadywampus.
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Methinks you're confusing the termination screws on the devices with the screws on the covers.
 
wireday said:
Is there any other reason to screw unused receptacle screws in other than possibly shorting out on a metal box?
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I have always tightened the unused screws but I can't stand to see a screw that looks loose. You have to admit it does look neater (more finished look).
 
ptonsparky said:
NO, my spouse sees everything.
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I think most wives have similar traits. My wife is like Schwarzennegar in Terminator. As soon as she walks into the house “de-de-de-de-de” and her eyes focus on a Knick-knack 20’ away and knows it’s out of place. :roll:
 
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