Changes To Electrical Outlets

[MikePA]

I had one last double outlet to install tonight and I was one short (no pun intended /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif). My original plan called for one box to contain one outlet and one switch and I changed my mind. So, instead of driving all the way to Home Depot, I stopped at my local Ace Hardware store. Believe me, there IS a difference in outlets. Ace had 2 different grade levels and even their better quality was not as good as the Levitons I bought at HD.

Ace's lower quality had the old style screw terminals with only one hole/screw terminal for back wiring. Their better quality looked like the Leviton, but only had 2 holes/screw terminal for back wiring instead of the 3 (maybe it's 4) on the Leviton.

 

[Jeff396]

You guys had me doubting my memory so I dropped by Home Depot to check it out again.

The Commercial grade plugs(which I believe are the ones in Mike's picture with the metal strap on the back) made by Leviton are available in either side wire(screws stay out) or back wire(screws flop in and out). You just have to look close because in the display they both look the same and the boxes below the display tend to be mixed up by customers who don't get there is a difference. At Home Depot you had to jump to Commercial plug if you wanted a 20A plug though they also came in 15A. These are the type of plugs I used in my shop and garage and behind my entertainment center.

The Residential grade only came in 15A and had only the screws that stayed out and the spring type back wire. These are the type of plugs I used in the great room and hall.

The only grade plug they had that I couldn't find one where the screws stay out was their Industrial grade. These had the screw that flopped in and out but their description stated that they were for "side wire and back wire". I suppose these could have been the ones being talked about but they were a bit pricey at $6.00 a pop. I still believe that these used as a side wire plug require 3 hands to connect.

Jeff