House Wiring (Romex) Push In Connectors

[Industrial Toys]

Maybe the spring terminals is why they mandated ARC Fault Breakers.

 

[fried1765]

Maybe the spring terminals is why they mandated ARC Fault Breakers.

"mandated ARC fault breakers"

I think "mandated" in Canada only!

 

[Deere Dude]

Can't use any available locally. My house is all 10 gauge wiring. Stuffed into little boxes by gorillas!

Bruce

Holy mackerel. Someone had extra money they didn't want.

 

[CobyRupert]

"mandated ARC fault breakers"

I think "mandated" in Canada only!

????
They're mandated everywhere in the U.S. where the National Electric Code (NEC, NFPA70) is the building code. Which pretty much everywhere. They're mandated for every outlet (not just receptacles, that includes lighting boxes, etc..too) in a kitchen, living rooms. dining rooms, bedrooms. closets, corridors, foyers, offices, laundry area, smoke alarm outlets, or similar areas as required by NEC Article 210.12.
In the 2020 NEC Code, Article 210.12 has been revised to say ALL 120V (15A/20A) circuits supplying outlets or devices in a dwelling. (Seems like more good lunches have been served.)

 

[aczlan]

????
They're mandated everywhere in the U.S. where the National Electric Code (NEC, NFPA70) is the building code. Which pretty much everywhere. They're mandated for every outlet (not just receptacles, that includes lighting boxes, etc..too) in a kitchen, living rooms. dining rooms, bedrooms. closets, corridors, foyers, offices, laundry area, smoke alarm outlets, or similar areas as required by NEC Article 210.12.
In the 2020 NEC Code, Article 210.12 has been revised to say ALL 120V (15A/20A) circuits supplying outlets or devices in a dwelling. (Seems like more good lunches have been served.)

::shakes head:: Why would you want an arc fault breaker on a dedicated smoke detector circuit?

Aaron Z

 

[RalphVa]

Back years ago when I upgraded some of the wiring in my house I used screw on connectors to join wires in junction boxes. I've got a couple circuits I've got to do some work on and happen to come across 'Push in' connectors that appear would be pretty easy to use. I'm thinking I might buy an assortment of 2,3, and 4 port connectors to give a try.

Any pros or cons I should know about?

Like this......
IDEAL 3-133 Push-In Connector, 3-Port, 12-2 AWG, Orange, Box of 1 by Ideal Industries: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

I've used push in connectors built into some outlets. Will NEVER use them again. I only use the ones that push in and then require you to tighten a screw on the side to keep the wire in place. Doesn't require you to crook the wire or anything. Best labor saving ones around but MUCH more secure than simple push in type.

Ralph

 

[CobyRupert]

::shakes head:: Why would you want an arc fault breaker on a dedicated smoke detector circuit?

Aaron Z

I wouldn't.
.....but, I had an apartment. Tenant must of got sick of hearing smoke alarm when they would burn the toast or whatever so they removed the smoke alarm. I looked up to see 2 bare wires sticking out of ceiling box. Sure enough, they didn't bother turning the (dedicated) breaker off. They just left the live wire dangling.
...I'm not sure this is a good argument, as the circuit was old enough that it didn't have an arc fault breaker. Would arc fault provide more protection than just thermal-magnetic protection? My understanding is arc fault detects loose connections (arc's in the 10kHz range) and trips before they become hot spots....in theory.
In practice, they're a pain and have unintended consequences / nuisance trips.

 

[CobyRupert]

Do the push on connectors have a way to release the wire if you ever want take circuit apart?

 

[cqaigy2]

Do the push on connectors have a way to release the wire if you ever want take circuit apart?

On solid, you can. Not stranded though.

Just in case somebody missed it. These are for house wiring, in place of wire nuts, Not POS switch and outlet "time savers".

 

[grsthegreat]

ive used the IDEAL branded ones in business for many years. Fantastic product. nearly impossible to remove the wire after its installed without much twisting and turning. More expensive than wire nuts. Saves it cost in labor. You wouldnt believe how many times ive had to track down a dead circuit and found a loose or missed wire under a wire nut. Ive never had a failed circuit using push connectors. But mind you, i only have experience using IDEAL branded products. im sure that there are cheap Chinese junk out on amazon.