Using both backstab and screw connections

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czars

Czars
Location
West Melbourne, FL
Occupation
Florida Certified Electrical Contractor
I've been told that it is not legal to utilize both the backstab and screw terminals on a receptacle or switch, but I can't find a code reference. Can anyone identify the proper code reference that might cover this topic?
 
tallguy

tallguy

Senior Member
czars said:
I've been told that it is not legal to utilize both the backstab and screw terminals on a receptacle or switch, but I can't find a code reference. Can anyone identify the proper code reference that might cover this topic?
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It wouldn't be in the code, it's a UL issue. I'm 99% certain that it is OK (implied by lack of prohibition, not that it is expressly allowed) because this came up a few days ago. I'll hunt the reference.

EDIT: Here it is... see post #5, which is quoting the link from post #4. This is far from definitive, but that quoted section is certainly the location in which one would expect to see a "don't do this" warning.
 
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M. D.

M. D.

Senior Member
It could get tagged as they have not been investgated for such use ,.. it most likely will pass inspection.
 
tallguy

tallguy

Senior Member
electricmanscott said:
I'm pretty sure this is not allowed as per UL listing.
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I should have gone back and looked at that original UL link (thanks again Charlie) more closely. Here it is in black and white stating that it is OK:
Single and duplex receptacles rated 15 and 20 A that are provided with more than one set of terminals for the connection of line and neutral conductors have been investigated to feed branch-circuit conductors connected to other outlets on a multi-outlet branch circuit, as follows:

  • Back wire (screw actuated clamp type) terminations with multiple wire access holes used concurrently to terminate more than one conductor
  • Side wire (binding screw) terminals used concurrently with their respective push-in (screwless) terminations to terminate more than one conductor
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J

JIMMY22

Member
Both wiring methods may be used on the same device as long as the intended load does not exceed the receptacles rating. I asked this same question back in May of this year because the 10 pack boxes of receptacles which we were using stated on the package to "attach wires using the terminal screws or speed wire holes:NOT BOTH!" I recieved a letter from Pass and Seymour back in May of 2007 which stated that they were in the process of updating there packaging and this note will be deleted as part of the update. catalog number 3232 and 885 receptacles.
 
electricmanscott

electricmanscott

Senior Member
Location
Boston, MA
I stand corrected.

Just today I had to feed a couple of new receptacles out of some existing ones. The existing ones were backstabbed and no I did not just use the terminals, I pigtailed all the conductors and used the terminals. The thing that got me was the dopey electrician took the time to screw in all the terminal screws and then backstabbed. These recptacles were only a couple years old and I know that the terminal screws come backed out.
 
S

selectricity

Member
If its anything other than residential imo they need to be pig tailed. I can not stand when someone uses the receptacle to feed thru on commercial work. I think it is just pure laziness.
 
electricmanscott

electricmanscott

Senior Member
Location
Boston, MA
selectricity said:
If its anything other than residential imo they need to be pig tailed. I can not stand when someone uses the receptacle to feed thru on commercial work. I think it is just pure laziness.
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I agree because we all know that commercial electricity if very different than residential electricity and thefore it will ony flow through pigtailed connections and not screw terminals. :rolleyes:
 
S

selectricity

Member
electricmanscott said:
I agree because we all know that commercial electricity if very different than residential electricity and thefore it will ony flow through pigtailed connections and not screw terminals. :rolleyes:
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What I am saying is that a receptacle would last longer if it didn't have 19 amps flowing through it at all times. Like a overloaded circuit which happens way too much.
 
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acrwc10

acrwc10

Master Code Professional
Location
CA
Occupation
Building inspector
I could careless if someone uses the back-stab to connect to one receptacle but if they use the back-stabs as a splice you are pretty much certain to have problems with anything running a load on a regular basis. I had a call afew years ago where a female cat had peed into a receptacle. Aside from the smell , awful , the receptacle had been back stabbed in and out the urine had made the insides of the device fail inturn making afew rooms go dead. If the wires had been pigtailed the receptacle would have been the only thing to fail.
 
electricmanscott

electricmanscott

Senior Member
Location
Boston, MA
acrwc10 said:
I could careless if someone uses the back-stab to connect to one receptacle but if they use the back-stabs as a splice you are pretty much certain to have problems with anything running a load on a regular basis. I had a call afew years ago where a female cat had peed into a receptacle. Aside from the smell , awful , the receptacle had been back stabbed in and out the urine had made the insides of the device fail inturn making afew rooms go dead. If the wires had been pigtailed the receptacle would have been the only thing to fail.
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That is the strangest story I have heard in a long time. Not believable but strange.
 
acrwc10

acrwc10

Master Code Professional
Location
CA
Occupation
Building inspector
electricmanscott said:
That is the strangest story I have heard in a long time. Not believable but strange.
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Dare you question the honesty of my trouble shooting tail ? I would get the cat to back up my story, but she dosn't type. Its not in her contract.
 
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