Replacing outlets.. difference with screwdown and hole install?
#1
Replacing outlets.. difference with screwdown and hole install?
Hi,
I'm replacing the outlets and switches in my home. I openned a few existing outlets saw there are two holes in each corner of the outlet, totaling 8 holes. Some are wired to two holes, some are wired to four, and some are wired to 5 holes.... The outlets I brought only have 4 holes but I don't really know what to do with the holes. I usually hook the wires up with the two/four screws on the side of the outlet / switches. Can I just take out the wires from the existing output hole and put it in a corresponding screw on the new wire?
From my understanding 12g wires can go in the screws and 14gs go in the holes, but can 14gs go in the screws as well?
I'm replacing the outlets and switches in my home. I openned a few existing outlets saw there are two holes in each corner of the outlet, totaling 8 holes. Some are wired to two holes, some are wired to four, and some are wired to 5 holes.... The outlets I brought only have 4 holes but I don't really know what to do with the holes. I usually hook the wires up with the two/four screws on the side of the outlet / switches. Can I just take out the wires from the existing output hole and put it in a corresponding screw on the new wire?
From my understanding 12g wires can go in the screws and 14gs go in the holes, but can 14gs go in the screws as well?
#2
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The best connections are made with the screws, rather than backstabbing the holes. Hot (black) to the brass screw, neutral (white) to the silver screw.
#4
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When you say '2 holes in each corner', it sounds to me like you are describing 'back wired' commercial grade receptacles. These have holes behind the screw positions, and you need to tighten the screws in order to hold on to the wires. These connections are some of the _best_ available, and can generally take 14ga to 10ga solid or stranded wire.
When you say '4 holes in the back' it sounds to me like you are describing the very inexpensive 'quick wire' receptacles. These simply let you push the wires into the hole, and a spring holds it in place. These are some of the _worst_ connections available, and can only take 14ga solid wire.
If I am reading your description correctly, it sounds to me like you are severely downgrading the quality of your installation.
Could you describe the receptacles that you are replacing in more detail?
-Jon
When you say '4 holes in the back' it sounds to me like you are describing the very inexpensive 'quick wire' receptacles. These simply let you push the wires into the hole, and a spring holds it in place. These are some of the _worst_ connections available, and can only take 14ga solid wire.
If I am reading your description correctly, it sounds to me like you are severely downgrading the quality of your installation.
Could you describe the receptacles that you are replacing in more detail?
-Jon
#5
Originally Posted by winnie
Could you describe the receptacles that you are replacing in more detail?
-Jon
-Jon
I'm going to take pictures of the 8 hole outlets when I get home tonight. Not all of the outlets are 8 holes, just a few.
But I do have another question.. I tried to pull out the wires from these holes but they wont give. Do I just yank as hard as I can or is there some kind of lever that releases these wires from those holes?
#6
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With the cheapo 'quick wire' receptacles (also called 'push and pray' receptacles or 'back stab' receptacles) there should be a small rectangular release hole. You push a small screwdrive into the hole to release the wire.
With the 'back wire' receptacles, you have to unscrew the screws on the side to release the wires.
-Jon
With the 'back wire' receptacles, you have to unscrew the screws on the side to release the wires.
-Jon
#7
Originally Posted by winnie
With the cheapo 'quick wire' receptacles (also called 'push and pray' receptacles or 'back stab' receptacles) there should be a small rectangular release hole. You push a small screwdrive into the hole to release the wire.
With the 'back wire' receptacles, you have to unscrew the screws on the side to release the wires.
-Jon
With the 'back wire' receptacles, you have to unscrew the screws on the side to release the wires.
-Jon
#8
Member
I see Pass and Seymour have these but they don't sell online and the closest retail outlet is 100 miles away. Anyone know an online dealer who sells the CRB 5262, I need approximately 40 of them?
Also, it says "auto-ground clip assures positive ground"....what does that mean? Metal box required?
Thanks
Also, it says "auto-ground clip assures positive ground"....what does that mean? Metal box required?
Thanks
#9
Originally Posted by Baldwin
I see Pass and Seymour have these but they don't sell online and the closest retail outlet is 100 miles away. Anyone know an online dealer who sells the CRB 5262, I need approximately 40 of them?
http://doityourself.com/shop/duplexreceptacles.htm
Links to commercial sites are frowned upon here, so just google for "electrical supply" or something like that to find an online retailer. Most of the big home stores have online ordering too.
Also, it says "auto-ground clip assures positive ground"....what does that mean? Metal box required?
#10
Member
--> The DIY online store sells a variety of spec-grade backwire Cooper receptacles... <--
Yes they do, I've looked and looked. I need brown and I can't find a damned one after hours of looking. White and Ivory, yes, brown, no.
--> Most of the big home stores have online ordering too. <--
I checked the sites Pass and Seymour list and all they show are the elcheepos.
About the auto-ground thing, my boxes are plastic and all are back stabbed, that's why I need new receptacles. They do say 3 wire so I would suppose the have a screw for the ground wire besides the auto-grounding.
I anyone finds a site feel free to private message me on this site.
Thanks for the suggestions! Don't mean to be crabby but looking for something so simple and getting no results just makes me crazy.
Baldwin
Yes they do, I've looked and looked. I need brown and I can't find a damned one after hours of looking. White and Ivory, yes, brown, no.
--> Most of the big home stores have online ordering too. <--
I checked the sites Pass and Seymour list and all they show are the elcheepos.
About the auto-ground thing, my boxes are plastic and all are back stabbed, that's why I need new receptacles. They do say 3 wire so I would suppose the have a screw for the ground wire besides the auto-grounding.
I anyone finds a site feel free to private message me on this site.
Thanks for the suggestions! Don't mean to be crabby but looking for something so simple and getting no results just makes me crazy.
Baldwin