5 Things (you may not know) about Electrical Outlets #Shorts

In this #short video I'll show you 5 things you may not know about electrical outlets. Let me know in the comments how many of these facts you already knew.

[joeythefoxxo]

I’ve probably installed a million outlets and knew all of these EXCEPT the one where you can make a loop with the outlet. I have always broken out my needle nose pliers for the job.

[timothybush]

I've been installing these for over twenty years and learned something new with this video. Thank you, sir.

[thedigitman]

I am 59 yrs old, a Jack-of-all-trades and/or a Master handyman for the last 30 + years. I have had a few journeymen level electrician friends over the years that have shared many little tricks and facts about installing receptacles and switches....and #5 on the list here was just a nice cherry on top for my arsenal ! The wire bender is just the best ! Thank you for sharing that info.

[dmhawkes]

#6. The slits in the tabs at the top and bottom are designed to strip your wire.

[garyaaron]

That last one blew my mind! Fo you know how much time I've spent making that curley-cue?😭

[CeeJayTheth]

I actually didn't know about that little nib that you can use to bend wire! That's kinda neat and I'm going to test it out sometime.

[Snookchaser]

The break off tab is also used if you want 2 different circuits on one receptacle. This is common on lift stations. This way if the breaker the pump is on trips the alarm still works as it is on a separate circuit.

[RLTango]

Damn it! I've been manually looping the wire for decades. Seriously -thanks for the protip!

[craigsmith]

Good explanation! The recess is to help align the blades when they are bent and makes them go in straight, which reduces wear and possible damage to the receptacle. The tab also is removed if you want 2 different circuits on the same outlet, allowing 2 large loads to be plugged in like in a kitchen.

[paulkeating]

I think that it was AvE who once said that the ground hole should be above the two slot holes. This is so if something conductive fell down onto a partially unplugged cord it would not cause a short. What do you think?

[ElectricalShorts-huwh]

I'm a master electrician and yet had never noticed that tab on the side that could be used to help make my loop. Thanks!

[colinstace]

In Australia we call them a "powerpoint" and ours are side by side and have a switch on both sides

[navyjetmech]

Also a built in wire stripper. The slots at the top work as wire strippers and the guide on the back shows the recommended strip length. Measure, slide the wire in the slot, spin the receptacle a few times and pull.

[clauwers]

Dude 3 things I didn’t know in this video.
Most of the time these are a waste and are stupid.
Good stuff keep up the good work.

[danielvelezdiaz]

#7 hot and neutral side screws, are color coded.
#8 the tabs on top and bottom, that strip the wires, are removable, and act as washers in case you need some.

[retiredcryptohunter]

I had no idea about #5 and that would have saved me so much time 🤦🏻‍♂️

[nickalfonso]

YOU ARE MY HERO!! I’ve installed hundreds of receptacles and never knew about the tab to bend the wire. I spend forever trying to bend it just right with pliers.

[christhompson]

I did not know about number 5 but it's kind of genius.

[Handsomerrob]

Making the loop with the outlet is a gem! Thank you!

[danielfield]

If it isn't spec grade it won't hold up to heavy use! It will eventually be sloppy at holding the cord in!