Home Wiring 7 - Placing the Electrical Terminals
Placing the Terminals for Receptacles and Switches
Margin of Error: No room for error
Push terminals make connecting the wiring easy, but they should only be used for copper or copper-clad wire, never for aluminum. Strip away insulation to the length indicated on the strip gauge when you push the color-coded wires into the correct push terminal. The terminal automatically clamps down when the wire goes in, so the fit is nice and tight. To release, you need only insert a small screwdriver into the release slot.
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If you choose to use a screw-type terminal, strip only enough insulation for the bare end to be wrapped three-quarters of the way around the screw. With long-nose pliers, make a loop on the bare end wire to hook clockwise around the terminal screw.
The white or neutral wire connects to the silver side of the outlet, and the black or hot wire connects to the brass side of the outlet. The bare grounding wire connects to the green screw in the bottom of the outlet. Bend wires and push switch or receptacle into the box and screw in place.
Tip: A dimmer switch installs just like any other switch. The only difference you may find on some of them is the presence of wire leads rather than screw terminals. Use wire nuts to fasten the two ends together, matching the color-coded wires.