ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Photos for General Discussion Back Plugged Receptacle Failure

Scott W.,

Yes, the A/C at the end of the line definitely played a key role in the receptacle failure. When I replace the rest of them this weekend I'll have a better idea of where the damage is.

I wouldn't doubt that most of them will look as bad, especially kitchen and bath recepts (which, BTW, are fed via GFCI CB's).

GJ,
In one other poster's defense, he only used back-stabs for lightly loaded switches, which would be a little more acceptable. Ironically, the switches weren't back-stabbed in this MH, just the heavier loads...

another reason to pigtail.

>another reason to pigtail.
Not really. Just a reason not to backstab.

The screw contacts are design to haul the full circuit current.

The springs in the back are designed to power clock radios.

Dspark,

I guess if one pigtailed and backplugged (backstabbed) then the damage would remain in the receptacle with the heavy load rather than every one in line. I think that's what nesparky was getting at. But yes, I agree, anything more than a clock radio or such is too much amperage for back-stabbing over the long haul.

Also, You bring up an interesting question.

I've seen 15A GFCI Receptacles with markings indicating a rating for 20A "feed thru"...
Do regular 15A duplex recepts have the same 20A feed thru rating? I haven't seen it listed as plainly as the GFCI's.



[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 09-30-2001).]

Dspark,
Where did you get the information that the screw terminal are rated for the full circuit current, but the spring contacts are not? It would seem to me that if this is the case, the listing information would make it clear.

As a side note, I just noticed a full page ad on the back of a magazine for Wago brand push-in connectors that say they're good for a range of wire sizes in solid and stranded wire too!

Bill

Stranded?!?! That's like trying to play pool with a rope for a cue stick!

This is an address to a page containing some technical info.

Technical Info

Stranded?!?! That's like trying to play pool with a rope for a cue stick!

rack em'up


[This message has been edited by sparky (edited 10-02-2001).]

If you think about it, it seems stranded wire would provide better contact due to the flattening out of the wire, and therefore, increased surface area contact.
That being said, I still won't use them!