[Elecraft] 120V vs 240V

[Don Wilhelm]

  Paul,

Yes Don Cunningham mentioned that he bought some home receptacles with 
that type clamp.  I have previously only seen them in industrial 
applications - they make very solid connections.

I had to grin a bit at the electrician that wired a new rental house for 
us (I was not permitted to do my own work because I would not live in it 
for a year) and I specified #12 wire for all the receptacles, thus 
preventing the use of the backstab holes.

All the receptacles in my home are also #12 wire to keep the voltage 
drop down, and the screws are well tightened (I had to check the ones 
the XYL connected)

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/16/2011 3:10 PM, Paul Christensen wrote:
>> If the receptacles are wired using the "backstab" holes rather then
>> having the wires secured under the screws, that is a possible cause...
> Good point, Don.  For me, it's hard to believe that using "back-stab"
> receptacle connections is still NEC/UL compliant.  At least in recent years,
> use is limited to only #14 AWG, meaning (thankfully), they cannot be used on
> a feeder or branch circuit above 15A.  If I had a home using those, I would
> take the time to rewire every receptacle and use the screw terminals
> instead.
>
> For just a bit more cost over the 50-cent contractor-grade receptacles,
> industrial-grade receptacles can be purchased.  These receptacles may look
> like they have back-stab pin holes but in fact use a clamp together with the
> side terminal screw to solidly hold the conductor in place.  Better wire
> grip, safer than back-stabs, and install quickly without the need for a
> J-hook around the screw terminal.
>
> Paul, W9AC
>
>
>
>
>
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