Electrical Wiring Methods: Screw Terminals or Quick Connect

Is it true that the older method of wiring switches and outlets is to attach the wiring to the screw terminals? How to Connect Wires to a Switch or Outlet: Best Practices for Electrical Wires for Outlets and Switches and Factors Relating to Electrical Connections.

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Electrical Question: Is it true that the older method of wiring switches and outlets is to attach the wiring to the screw terminals?

• The newer method is to simply “strip” and remove the exterior covering of the wire, and the end of the wire and push it into a hole provided in the back of the switch or outlet.
• It has been said that with the “strip” method, while stripping the wire, oils from your hands can get on the wire and when pushed into the hold provided on the switch or outlet the brass tab in the plug or outlet will start to corrode and cause an arc and possibly a fire. It can take years for the corrosion to occur.
• Have you ever heard of this issue with stripping wires?
• Apparently it can cause you to lose electrical power or have lights flickering, meaning it is the beginning of the problem.

Thank you for your answer, in advance.
This electrical wiring question came from: Gary, a Homeowner from Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Gary.

How to Connect Wires to a Switch or Outlet

Application: Wiring Receptacle Outlets and Switches.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of outlets that will be added and the access to the location for the new outlets.
Precaution: Identify the existing outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done through the local building authority, installed according to applicable local and national electrical codes, with a permit, and have the required inspections.

Best Practices for Connecting Wires to Outlets and Switches

• Factors Relating to Electrical Connections
  • I have never seen that the oil from our hands can cause corrosion, although I guess that over time I may have an effect.
• Connections for Electrical Wires
  • Screw terminal wiring is always best when it is done right, and quick connect works fine except when there is a heavy amperage load which may cause the contacts to break down due to heat, expansion and contraction of the metal.
• Series and Parallel Wiring
  • This condition is also accelerated when series wiring is used instead of parallel. Parallel wiring is best especially when using spliced wires and connecting a single pig tailed wire from the spice to the outlet or switch which prevents the circuit load from passing through the device.
• Sensitive Electrical Parts
  • It is true that when installing quartz lamps that you should not touch the glass because the oil from your skin will create a hot spot that will cause the lamp to burn out sooner.

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» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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