What grade of receptacles are in your home


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Old 04-01-12, 06:00 AM
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What grade of receptacles are in your home

In all of mine, whenever I've remodeled ......or just sold/moved, I have always replaced all the outlets in mine with a industrial/commercial spec outlet. I've not really looked and digested the info on the merits of them, but I can feel the quality of one vs. a regular 89 cents outlet.

I may be going backwards, and will have to see one for myself, as I may change things up and switch to a *lower grade outlet*. Just came across the Leviton Renu lineup and love the matte color selection of their lineup !

Love the matter outlets and color selection. For example, the Lutron ones are very similar to the Renu. Turns out this $17 outlet was just a 89 cents outlet with a *lutron matte* color faceplate onto. So I ended paying the ridiculous fee to get their outlets (for aesthetic purposes) and used the faceplates on some Arrow comm. spec grade outlets I had in my stash.
 
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Old 04-01-12, 06:40 AM
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Receptacles are all rated for their purpose. You can bet the bank on an initial wiring of a house, you have the 89 cent receptacles....59 cents here. It is cost effective in a way. However, backwired receptacles, although a little more expensive save a ton of time on remodels I have found. Fancy receptacles are nice, but function overrides that IMO. If it works, and is innocuous, it's good.
 
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Old 04-01-12, 07:23 AM
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I have used both the residential grade and the light commercial. Given the number of callbacks using the less expensive devices there was no benefit to spending more money.

BTW, all devices were wired using the side screws, not backstabs.
 
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Old 04-01-12, 07:31 AM
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I also have found no benefit to using more expensive devices. I do, however, have a favorite brand that I like to use because of how they are made and the finishes.
 
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Old 04-01-12, 07:44 AM
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Hey TOLYN ...hopefully I got the spelling correct this time around.

Care to share on what you like and ~how they are made~.

For me, I'm not brand married but as long as it's domestically made and is comm. spec and I can get the finish to match the aesthetics of the room. I'm game. When it comes down to switches....it's generally all lutron as I like their matte stuff - whether it be in their maestro or architectural series.

For important stuff like TVSS surge suppression for the outlet behind the TV and or just important stuff, Hubbell everyday.
 
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Old 04-01-12, 08:12 AM
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I like the Pass and Seymour.

I don't know if any are domestically produced.
 
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Old 04-01-12, 10:34 AM
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Pass and Seymour. I like the hooks they have to aid in looping the wire around the screws and how much space there is around the screws. I like how the screws are out, ready to be screwed in. The matte finish and the size of their plates, and the size of the ears that rest on the drywall.
 
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Old 04-03-12, 09:04 AM
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Was looking at the Coopers today.
Interesting design. Strip aids on the ears.
Plastic cover over the screw holes ( I would still just give it a loop of 33+) around it just due to bad habits. I suppose that screw coverplate does add to the bulk of the outlet though and sometimes you just want more room than you have.
 
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Old 04-03-12, 04:13 PM
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Plastic cover over the screw holes ( I would still just give it a loop of 33+) around it just due to bad habits.
Why waste your time. The tape just makes a sticky mess.
 
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Old 04-03-12, 04:23 PM
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33+ does not leave tack behind. Out here, it's all metal boxes, so it's just ingrained by process, that after a termination is done, just give it 2 wraps around the recp/switch.
 
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Old 04-03-12, 04:44 PM
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I agree. I only tape devices if it's required by the contract. Usually only 208V devices, BTW.
 
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Old 04-03-12, 04:56 PM
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33+ does not leave tack behind.
When it gets old it does.
 
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Old 04-03-12, 06:54 PM
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I have the Hubbell 5352 series installed in my house. Never had a problem other than the prongs on plugs losing their nickel plating.
 
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Old 04-04-12, 11:51 AM
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I use Leviton Spec grade exclusively. I'm very brand-loyal, and IMO, Leviton is the best. In some areas, I use their Hospital-grade outlets and GFCIs. Isolated-ground outlets for any load with sensitive electronics (Computer, CPAP machine, media center, etc.) Generator inlet is Leviton L14-30 Twist-lock.
 
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Old 04-06-12, 09:55 AM
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Leviton 5252 is what I use

I also use the Leviton Industrial Spec Grade outlets myself (Leviton 5252) I only replace an outlet when one wears out or breaks though
 
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Old 04-06-12, 01:31 PM
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I use Hospital grade receptacles Or is it B grade






Had to throw in some sense of humor
 
 

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