Wiring Receptacles

[Alwayslearningelec]

Do you guys use feed through method( connecting right to terminals) or pigtail/splice the conductors to the terminals? Thanks

 

[ptonsparky]

Both.
I’m more inclined to pigtail in high use, current, areas.

 

[acin]

I was told the 2 screws are for breaking the tab for switching one half

 

[ActionDave]

Both. The decision is made on a case by case basis and depends on several variables like what mood I'm in, how many wires are in the box, what tools I have on hand, what the weather was like the day before....

 

[hbiss]

I usually prefer to pigtail, I make everything up at rough-in when I remember where everything goes. Then I only have two conductors to connect at finish.

-Hal

 

[ramsy]

I like unbroken loops around EGC bonding screw for use with self-grounding devices.

If possible avoid wirenuts with unbroken loops around device terminals otherwise limited to 4 wires.

Where 300.13(B) applies, ugly wirenut keeps line-side neutrals connected without relying on device terminals.

 

[junkhound]

cannot even recall the last time I used pigtails on an outlet except the ground.

 

[infinity]

Pigtails always. I might make an exception for an old box that is already stuffed with wires.

 

[ptonsparky]

I will add that we use stranded wire when running conduit. Those conductors are almost always pigtailed, via solid, to devices that have only screws.

 

[ramsy]

Those conductors are almost always pigtailed, via solid, to devices that have only screws.

I've been looking for 15 amp devices with pressure plate terminals.

2 slots per screw for existing #12 wire is really nice when no room in box for wirenuts. The pressure plates also work for stranded, if you hate to twist & wrap around screws.

 

[LarryFine]

With the typical 2-cable install, I use the device terminals. If another cable is added, I'll pigtail, and put the new conductors on the device's terminals.

 

[LarryFine]

I've been looking for 15 amp devices with pressure plate terminals.

2 slots per screw for existing #12 wire is really nice when no room in box for wirenuts. The pressure plates also work for stranded, if you hate to twist & wrap around screws.

Most premium-grade receptacles, such as Leviton Preferred, have a clamping feature.

 

[tthh]

Pigtail with backwired clamping receptacle. Now, as others have said, if there is not a lot of room, or maybe really old and brittle insulation or some other circumstance, I'll use the device.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

I pigtail 99 percent of the time.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Why do most of you guys pigtail(besides qty wires in box)? isn't it easier and quicker to terminate at the device terminals?

 

[infinity]

Why do most of you guys pigtail(besides qty wires in box)? isn't it easier and quicker to terminate at the device terminals?

Depends, with a self grounding receptacle you only need to land 2 wires on the device which makes it easier to push it into the box especially with #10 wire.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Depends, with a self grounding receptacle you only need to land 2 wires on the device which makes it easier to push it into the box especially with #10 wire.

Thanks. So what do you do with the ground wire if you have a ground wire e.g. MC cable? Also, why would you ever use #10 for standard 20A receptacles?

 

[wwhitney]

I've been looking for 15 amp devices with pressure plate terminals.

BR15-W

www.leviton.com

Cheers, Wayne

 

[ptonsparky]

Thanks. So what do you do with the ground wire if you have a ground wire e.g. MC cable? Also, why would you ever use #10 for standard 20A receptacles?

That is where I would pigtail.

 

[ptonsparky]

Why, #10? Someone specd it for VD.