Don't make this electrical mistake #Shorts

Don't make this electrical mistake when connecting electrical outlets and switches. Many DIYers will not have the experience to know that using the little holes in the back of an outlet or switch is a bad idea. This is known as "back stabbing" and it's a common failure point. Flicking lights, loss of power, hot connections and arcing are common with these connections. In this video I will help you avoid making this mistake and show you what to do instead.

Make sure power is turned off and verified prior to doing any electrical work.

[blainederouen]

I just replaced 38 outlets in a house that all of them were stabbed in the back. 70% of the outlets when pulled out from the wall, the wires just slid out of that hole. The homeowner had a monitor set up for power surges, which were giving her several bad readings every day. Since I reinstalled new outlets, and did it the correct way, she hasn’t had a problem.

[Aero.Smith.]

Good advice. I started as an electrician in the mid 80s. The guy who trained me, told me this on day 1. And I lived by many things he told me to this day. Milko! I miss you man...

[wmcomprev]

Agreed. I've seen too many of them fail. However, there's something similar that's not mentioned in this video. The video is about backstabbing, but there's also back wiring. Back wiring also allows you to use a straight length of wire and insert it straight in. The difference is that with back wiring, you then tighten down the screw to hold the wire in. It's not a spring loaded connection, which is what backstabbing is.

[davidsawyer]

All terminal screws should be fully seated. It matters not if they are being utilized.

[spencer_g]

Right on the money. Can't tell you how many times I have had to fix theses.

[MarkAlbert]

Amen! Due to all the issues you mentioned, I keep replacing quite a few of those and some even only came with stab-in connection!

[srefugee]

NOTE: Back WIRING is also a thing, where you push the wire into a hole in the back, and tighten the screw, which solidly clamps the wire into place. Much more reliable than back STABBING, though not quite as solid as side-wiring, with the loop.

[daveman]

I always give a little squeeze/crimp, to the wire hook, just before tightening the screw. It assures it will never come off. ✔️

[brandonhall]

Been doing it for 30 years. No issues yet. But I'll keep you posted.

I see all the men who have had issues, in the comments.There's millions of these things installed so I'm not surprised

[landondow]

I never even knew that there was an option besides side wiring 😂

[davidperry]

Commercial grade outlets are even better than side wiring. When you rewire your house or getting your new house wired, consider commercial grade outlets and light switches.

[tristanwestbrook]

Thank you brother! stab locking has caused me a lot of headaches with trouble shooting, I've also seen quite a few receptacles and switches melt. Same problem with wagos.

[robertbarnes]

My question to the NEC .. These are common failure points and fire starters from heat @ corrosion.. Why is it allowed to be used or even sold ?? Why do the electrical inspectors sign off and except this ??

[jaje]

Thanks! Better connections ARE preferred!

[jeromecatherine]

Exactly. The way the wire is held by back stabbing it pinches the wire and many tens of thousands of fires are attributed to the wire breaking and arcing, which created the majority of these fires according to the NFPA. Pinching places a line on the wire and for those very familiar that one utility knife line across the wire within a couple bends will snap the wire.
This is the reason why arch fault Circuit breakers are now a requirement for all bedroom and in many states are being placed in most residential circuits.

The more we know the better we can preform service to others and ensure safety is not in question
Thank you for presenting this great a

[eganfo]

This Short is wonderful. You didn’t speed through it so I have to watch it sixteen times to fully understand the content. Thank you for keeping it simple and not rushed.

[bethfinney]

I see so many DIY folks do it the wrong way. Thanks for the education!

[LegacyNesferatu]

I've done some electrical work here and there. Never knew those holes were used for that. I thought you were supposed to always side wite these. Learning every day

[michaelgnafakis]

Speaking the gospel here. I’ve had to replace countless stabbed in plugs because of a flicker on their circuit. Several had signs of excessive heat. Truly amazing we don’t have more house fires from sketchy electrical connections.

[fuzznutz]

Its important to note the loop in the wire should be in the Clockwise direction.