120V Electrical pig tails

[_RaT_]

I always pigtail especially with 3 or more wires coming together. I can not only get a superior connection, I can make up a much neater box especially with #12. If your wire nuts come loose, your not doing it right.

 

[MikePA]

If the stab ins are bad to use, why does UL approve the receptacle?

 

[_RaT_]

If the stab ins are bad to use, why does UL approve the receptacle?

Not that they are necessarily bad, but can be a source of weak connections that fail to pass the feed on to the next outlet. The new outlets only allow #14 wire to be stabbed into them. I find that making up my connection with wire nuts allows me to tie all neutrals, hot and of course grounds in such a way that all I have to push back into the box with the outlet are those 3 wires as the connections are already tucked in. Doing that with 3 neutrals, 3 hots can be harder and put a strain on the outlet and the connections going into it. Its also why I always try to bring my wires in from the same orientation, that is, top or bottom of the box. One other tip is to bring your line or power in at the same spot in each box.

 

[Diesel-ME]

Not that they are necessarily bad, but can be a source of weak connections that fail to pass the feed on to the next outlet. The new outlets only allow #14 wire to be stabbed into them. I find that making up my connection with wire nuts allows me to tie all neutrals, hot and of course grounds in such a way that all I have to push back into the box with the outlet are those 3 wires as the connections are already tucked in. Doing that with 3 neutrals, 3 hots can be harder and put a strain on the outlet and the connections going into it. Its also why I always try to bring my wires in from the same orientation, that is, top or bottom of the box. One other tip is to bring your line or power in at the same spot in each box.

The 20Amp receptacles handle #12 wire in the back. They cost quite a bit more though. HD and Lowes carry them.

~paul

 

[_RaT_]

The 20Amp receptacles handle #12 wire in the back. They cost quite a bit more though. HD and Lowes carry them.

~paul

They do but the design is different, they clamp the wire which in my opinion is a much better way to ensure continuity not only to continue the circuit when such is needed, but also to provide power to that outlet. Frankly, its the only kind of outlet I buy.

 

[Diesel-ME]

They do but the design is different, they clamp the wire which in my opinion is a much better way to ensure continuity not only to continue the circuit when such is needed, but also to provide power to that outlet. Frankly, its the only kind of outlet I buy.

Oh ya... I see what you mean. I would never use those cheapy pressure fit stab-in deals.... the 20Amp back wire receptacles have a good solid feel to the connection. I forgot all about the light weight ones that you just push in.... I have to agree with the others regarding use of pig tails if you use that kind of receptacle.

~paul

 

[hockeypuck]

Do not use the stab ins.

They wear out over time, and then you will have to call me to find out why half of a circuit is not working. I run into it all the time and back stab ins are a problem. I go around pounding on the wall next to the outlet to see where the bad connection is.

 

[Highbeam]

I have another name for the stab ins....

Push-n-pray!

I recently replaced my electrical panel which was an old zinsco brand panel that actually used push and pray connections for the 110 volt breakers. Arc city.