Outlets wired backwards

   / Outlets wired backwards #81  
I have seen loose wires under screws. When renovating and upgrading my house I found several loose screws on outlets.
JB.

Yes, I have too. That is why, if you check, I said: "A properly tightened screw connection". :mad:

Anyone want to chime in with how many times wires fell out of a wire nut?

Nothing is fool proof.

Theses fasteners can stretch over time. That is why you want to use quality materials and proper technique.

Frankly, I don't care how you guys choose to do it.

Once again, I am sorry I tried to help.
 
   / Outlets wired backwards #82  
Anyone want to chime in with how many times wires fell out of a wire nut?
On that subject, somewhere I heard that it's a code requirement that the wires be physically twisted before the cap is installed. Anybody else ?
 
   / Outlets wired backwards #83  
Yes, I have too. That is why, if you check, I said: "A properly tightened screw connection". :mad:

Anyone want to chime in with how many times wires fell out of a wire nut?

Nothing is fool proof.

Theses fasteners can stretch over time. That is why you want to use quality materials and proper technique.

Frankly, I don't care how you guys choose to do it.

Once again, I am sorry I tried to help.

You are helping,
Wasn't challenging you, only making conversation to promote my learning :)

I'm not convinced which is better/worse, but I will say the young, recently schooled hot shot Electrician who did alot of the work on my house said never use the device as a connector. I now know it's definitely not against code, but there must of been something in his training that gave him that opinion.

IMO with old wiring like I have, the best way is to carefully clean up, re-strip insulate etc all the old conductors, then splice as needed and again carefully tuck everything into the back of the box, then wire device with new jumpers, not ever having to disturb old wires again.
This is not just my opinion but often necessary, as you know those old conductors can be to short and fragile.
I realize with newer construction, this wouldn't be a factor.




On that subject, somewhere I heard that it's a code requirement that the wires be physically twisted before the cap is installed. Anybody else ?

I do, and also tape them.
I'm absolutely neurotic about E connections, would never make any money as an electrician, I spend so much time on each, but can guarantee you none will come loose or short out etc.

Don't know if it's code But had an electrician say they have to be twisted enough so the insulation is partly twisted as well, then I've seen others that don't twist at all and hardly snug the wire nuts.

This may be overboard but I put at least 2 wraps of E-tape around switches and outlets, around the body where the side screws are.
I'm a contractor so I'm always in different peoples houses, I hate to see when they have no switch plate or receptacle covers on. It's a quarter inch away from that hot screw and an electrical shock.
I always lecture them to put the covers back on especially if they have small children in the house.


JB.
 

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