How Pros Wire Receptacles in 2025 (Future Proof)

In this episode we'll go over reliable, long lasting electrical Outlet and Switch Connection Methods. Adding or replacing an outlet or light switch in your home can be a daunting experience. But I'm here to help.

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Thank you.. John - Backyard Maine

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Liability Statement:
Backyard Maine assumes no liability for damage or injury. We highly recommend using appropriate safety procedures including turning the power off or calling a professional when needed. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user.

[tomasmerino]

This is what I love about the internet. Being able to listen to what someone with 40 years of experience has to say. It's nice to see the differences between our electric systems, here in Argentina our outlets are pretty different, but they're back wired.

[tombrennan]

Great information. I have found back stab connections to be the most common problem with switch and outlet failure, and I think the method should be stopped.

[claywurzlow]

Simple "Thanks " for your video/clips

[danpags]

Excellent video to keep home owners out of trouble. Thank you for your tutorials.

[jimsmith]

Excellent video. I had no idea about the back wiring method although I have not used the back stabbing method since about 1969. This of course was decades before youtube was available. I had two different circuits fail due to arcing in back stab connections, so I made a decision to never do them again. As a "handyman" instead of a certified pro, I ran across many backstab connections in the decades since, and I always redid the connection when I found them even though sometimes there was insufficient wire left to redo them, forcing me to run new wiring to replace them. Thanks for a great video. I am 76 and still going strong and learning every day. Keep up the good work.

[ericbothur]

Your videos are the best ..very educational.

[terryt]

I'm glad I found you, John. Excellent videos!

[jill]

Found you as I was searching how to change out my very first receptacle. Thank you for your videos.
The fact that you are also a fellow Mainer is icing on the cake!

[westtexasprepper]

Great, timely video. Getting ready to wire my shop soon.

[emiebex]

Thanks for video you did on how to curve a wire around the receptacle's side screws.

[GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? This is a very good video John. Excellent info and you may have prevented a home from burning down with the info you provided. Thanks and take care!!!

[MyClutteredGarage]

Hi John. The link for the combo head screwdriver actually takes you to the wire strippers. -Ed

[lesterwatson]

As an electrician for over 50 years "now retired " I have found that most failures are caused by poor installation practices and the over loading of circuits. In over 50 years I never went back to make a repair on my own work. I worked slower than most and did not get in a hurry I tried my best to do it right the first time. I am not bragging but that's a pretty good record.

[biketothetop]

Your video is very clear and concise and helpful. Thank you for your contribution. I subscribed. It only took me one trip to Home Depot and an inspection of outlets on the shelves to understand the difference between the backstabbed connection and the back wired method. My home has backstabbed outlets. I was immediately disinterested in having those anymore because I know as a mechanical engineer that the Barb approach is not going to be as secure as a screw using clamping pressure to retain the wire. Furthermore those designs are a higher risk of having faulty Dimensions from manufacturing processing that could result in a poor connection, whereas a back wired design only relies on a simple screw head and the plates to ensure sufficient contact force. Probably the last time I did any outlet wiring was when I was in my twenties and that was 40 years ago. It was new to me to learn about the backstabbed design when I started the process of inspection after I experienced unstable and incorrect voltage levels in my 33-year-old home. When I went to Home Depot and saw the commercial grade units having a back loaded design I immediately decided that was right for me. It eliminates the need to mess with the wires from their existing condition yet provides me the ability to use the clamp load of the screw heads.

[spacecadet]

Just moved into a FL 1977 home. The main disconnect panel and the garage sub panel both replaced with permit/inspection.
First order of business was to replace all outlets and switches not recently replaced which amounts to about 80% of them.
One thing noted was the original workmanship was very good. Long leads and well managed. It's a decent sized 3/2 home. Only 1 pair of three-way switches. No GFI breakers therefore I easily installed GFCI outlets in the single garage outlet and both outside porch outlets. Bathrooms and kitchen have new/recent GFCI outlets.
I chose the PLUS+ Leviton series. Mostly the 15A version. Oh, there was only one switched outlet in the whole house (MBR). Which I 'turned upside down" lol.

I have to say all the original outlets were contractor grade with the backstab being the preferred method. During the replacement I found about 10% of the backstabbed wires simply 'popped' out. Plus, there was oxidation on some. Not wanting to shorten the leads I 'wiped' the oxidation off with my lineman pliers and used the back wiring clamp of the new outlets. All tested good.
To me, if forced to use a backstab connection I try to ensure it's a low amperage device like a LED light, etc. That's why I chose the more expensive route for this house. Have to admit though, modern loads are significantly lower minus HVAC/Kitchen appliances. Back wiring (clamps) really speeds up the replacement process and in this case preserved the original length. Worth every penny IMHO.

Interestingly all switch boxes had neutral!!! I thought for sure they would not. That was a pleasant surprise.

Going forward, we will be having another subpanel installed next to the full garage sub panel to allow for future needs. It's a 150A service. Thought about upgrading to 200A but not sure it's worth it.

Sorry for the epistle.

[jtb-southphilly]

Thank you for such excellent information. I have learned some valuable lessons from your videos. 👍

[Trainman]

Informative and to the point! Question….can I “J” wire on a commercial receptacle? Great video John! Thanks!

[GDSanders]

Love your videos because they are so informative and easy to follow

[richhansenclan]

I knew the diffrence between back wiring and back stabbing. I agree, the back stabbing method is bad. I am not an electrician but I am a 30 year DIY home owner and I have had to replaced two outlets that have failed and both of them were wired up using the back stabbing method.

[lucassacul]

Thank you, I learned something new about receptacles, I didn't know about those details, Thank you