Outlet Presure Plate with 2 Wires

I was installing an outlet today with 2 wires each side, using the screw/pressure plate terminals. So I got to thinking, since I can put 2 wires on one screw plate, that this might be a better, firmer connection.

My reasoning is that that I am applying a more even tightening torque to both wires this way, as opposed to putting one wire under each screw plate, and the plate cants on an angle--hence less pressure on each wire.

Does this make sense? Or am I splitting hairs?.

 

Is there a layer of metal under the movable pressure plate and the wire is squashed between the two metal plates? If so you can do it as you describe provided: . The two wire ends must not touch each other, and, a wire end must not be able to slide sideways out from under the plates just before the screw is tightened.

Many receptacle units do not have extra metal under the pressure plate. You can still put two straight wire ends in but put them on top of the pressure plate and screw down on top of the wires following the two special rules preceding. If you need to wrap the wire around the screw to hold it in place then only one wire per screw.

 

Does this pic answer your question? (I am a little tripped by the word under in your first sentence)
If not, maybe send me simple sketch?

Meanwhile does my original post's reasoning logically support the idea that it's better to put 2 wires in one pressure plate terminal due to increased and more even holding torque?

 

Yes, it does in a sense. But I think it is more a matter of opinion. First of all using receptacles like the ones with the pressure plates instead of just screws tend to be more expensive but I try and usee them. I prefer using a pressure plate compared to wrapping a screw with a wire. Even if I use a recpetacle with a pressure plate I still pigtail the two wires together with a jumper and tuck the jumper under the pressure plate. This gives integrity to the circuit. If the receptacle fails there is still continuity down to the next device and far less hunting is needed if there is a failure.

 

In my opinion....
Putting both wires under one screw terminal makes for a more solid connection rather than one wire under each terminal. When using a single wire.... the plate doesn't tighten evenly. It tightens on an angle.

One wire under each side of the plate makes for a better.... even.... connection.