[Elecraft] AC Power for the Station

[Michael Eberle]

I just bought the house I'm living in last year.  While changing out 
some of the receptacles and switches I discovered that they did not use 
wire nuts for wire connections in the wall boxes. They had attempted to 
solder the wires and wrapped them in tape. Most, if not all of them were 
cold solder joints and several inches of the wire insulation had melted 
during the heating process.

Apparently the codes are not as strict outside of the city limits.

Mike - KI0HA


On 6/14/2018 15:43, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Bob and all,
>
> Yes, those "backstab" receptacles that electricians love to use 
> because they are quick and easy do not have adequate contact stength 
> and can overheat and cause voltage drops and a fire hazard.
>
> If I were to discover them in any house I occupied, I would pull the 
> wires out of the 'backstab' and put the wires under the screws.  There 
> is nothing wrong with the receptacles, except for that marginal wire 
> contact in the 'backstab' contacts - change those to "under the screw" 
> connections and all will be well.
> There are good 'strip and insert' receptacles use a clamping mechanism 
> tightened with a screw, and those do not have the problem.
>
> My house is wired with #12 wire for ALL the receptacles, (lighting is 
> #14) but I do use the 15 amp receptacles with no problem (except in 
> the kitchen where they are 20 amp) - the 15 amp receptacles will not 
> accept #12 wire in the 'backstab' holes, so the only choice was to use 
> the screw terminals.  I have 20 amp breakers on the receptacle 
> circuits, but 15 amp on the lighting.
> Yes, I did it myself and the inspector had no problem with my wiring.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>