ECN Forum Forums Technical Discussion Electrical Theory and Applications Residential Device Termination Best Practice Question

Hello all:

I am interested in this forums opinions on the pro's and con's of "stabbing" wires into back of devices versus "screwing" down. As of now, our company use the screw method, but more and more over the years we are seeing this as the abnormal practice in our area.

Does it make since to continue to take the extra time to do this on our trim outs?

I have seen way to many poor connections and burned up wires to trust the backstab terminations. I always use the screw terminals, or better yet the screw down "pressure plate" type found on high quality devices.

I was taught not to back wire in the 70's. I have not seen anything to convince me that it is a good idea. When you twist the wire around the screw and tighten down, I think your contact area is a little more certain.
Joe

I love the "pressure plate" type termination. Back stab ease, but you still screw it down. Have found both backstab, and hook it and screw it down type devices burned up. I think if you avoid cheap devices, the termination style does not matter to a huge degree.

Have you ever stabbed a breaker?
I think that speaks volumes on the subject.

celtic:

How about those horrible Zinscos with the quick release?

I think I have a few in my junk pile.

I personnally love the stab in the back................they keep me in business. Garuanteed service calls in the waiting. Usally the 1st device on the circuit stab fails when the load side devices are loaded up. Space heater on the last device and a couple of lamps and boom a service call for no power, power keeps going on and off, burned device, open neutral, etc.
Ob

I think a sure fire way to make a stab fail is to have the wire less than perfectly straight when you stab it.

Yes.

Somewhere on this site I have a picture of a QO twin breaker with speedwire terminals.

Iwire
Say it aint so. QOs with back stabs. That's it the world has officially gone to hell.
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Tom Horne