What is proper wiring for double outlets
#1
02-03-05, 01:36 PM
What is proper wiring for double outlets
I want to put in a double gang box, two sets of outlets. What's the proper way to wire these? (for simplicity I'm only talking about 1 wire in my example)
A. Maret the incoming and outgoing wire with 2 short wires that each attach to an outlet.
B. Incoming to outlet 1, short wire from second screw to other outlet, outgoing wire to second screw on outlet 2.
I realize option A works but I'm working with #12 wire and already had a horrible experience trying to maret 4 #12's together. A royal pain to get them to stay (technique hints anyone?). Option B would be simple but possibly against code?
Thanks
A. Maret the incoming and outgoing wire with 2 short wires that each attach to an outlet.
B. Incoming to outlet 1, short wire from second screw to other outlet, outgoing wire to second screw on outlet 2.
I realize option A works but I'm working with #12 wire and already had a horrible experience trying to maret 4 #12's together. A royal pain to get them to stay (technique hints anyone?). Option B would be simple but possibly against code?
Thanks
#3
02-03-05, 08:54 PM
To add....connecting 4 #12's is normally pretty tough for the person who only does this ocassionally. If the fourth wire is a pigtail it is even harder. I may get some difference of opinion but Ideal is making a push in connector that makes this very easy for the DIYer. You can find it a Home Depot or electrical suppy shop. This connector is advertized to not have the problems of a related connection called the backstab. Here is a link to a image of one.
http://www.goodmart.com/products/228694.htm
http://www.goodmart.com/products/228694.htm
#6
02-04-05, 09:25 AM
"In Shadowman's example A, If these are 15amp receptacles could the pigtails be #14 wire?"
Only if the circuit overcurrent protection does not exceed 15 amperes.
Only if the circuit overcurrent protection does not exceed 15 amperes.
#9
02-04-05, 11:39 AM
Originally Posted by Roger
I may get some difference of opinion but Ideal is making a push in connector that makes this very easy for the DIYer. You can find it a Home Depot or electrical suppy shop. This connector is advertized to not have the problems of a related connection called the backstab. Here is a link to a image of one.
http://www.goodmart.com/products/228694.htm
http://www.goodmart.com/products/228694.htm
When I replaced my ceiling light with a ceiling fan, I had FIVE #12's to connect together (box was doubling as a junction box). I went and got some of those huge light blue wire nuts that are in a three pack for a couple of bucks at HD. That was no fun to install.
Next ceiling fan...same thing, FIVE #12's.
I had picked up some of these gizmo's by Ideal, and used one of them this time. EASY! 
Oh, and a pack of 12 (variety pack) cost about the same as that three pack of those huge light blue wirenuts.I am curious of what others opinions are of them. They seem to hold pretty well, but I know that the "backstabs" on outlets seem to as well, and I know better than to use them.
