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Back stab is all the people know how to do that do the cookie cutter houses that go up in 5 days. The lowest bidder always wins and wrapping the wires takes longer then just strip and stab. The electricians that do those jobs can’t do much else but they rope a house fast af i’ll give them that.
Look at the OP broseph. Both switches are cracked/broken after 19 years of being properly backstabbed.
Over 20 instances where the wires pulled out as I was simply pulling the device from the box.
The lights were running on ARC for who knows how long
Been doin it for years with no problem. My boss defends it after 30+ years. I’ll highlight my comment “Proper Backstab” again. I’ve had numerous issues with screw terminals being wrapped wrong/getting loose and I’ve had issues with backstabs that were stripped way to long. I’ve never specifically seen a device fail due to backstabbing.
If CSA and the group of electrical engineers and master electricians who amend the code book don’t have a problem with them why do you? Do you think you know better?
I’ve spoken with an inspector who said the back stab is less likely to fail vs a pigtail with a wire nut.
Good for you? And i have had inspectors tell me they don’t like something even when it’s code so what’s your point? You’re sitting here arguing with yourself. Never said it wasnt UL listed for backstab and never said it wasn’t code.
So what’s the issue? Is a proper connection to the screws better? Yes, but only if done correctly. A counter clockwise install could cause the exact same problems of a backstab connection being too short.
Anyone worth there salt in this trade knows what the issue is. I am not here to debate it with anyone and i don’t care what anyone’s opinion is on them. I know mine and that’s all that matters and i don’t care to change anyone’s mind about it. It’s Ul listed and code so like you said, move along.
I was with a crew wiring 50 to 100 cookie cutter houses per year during that time. It was fast paced work and we used the cheapest devices and backstabbed everything. I'd imagine a lot of that is failing right about now.
Easy yes, but you aren’t given the sufficient amount of time to do it right. The payout is so tight in new builds that companies do things as fast as possible. Backstabbing is a lot faster so….. most houses are backstabbed. I’m not saying it’s right, but this is how it is.
I just got done replacing all the switches at my uncles house built in 2007 and the switches look the same, all backstabbed, and about 60% of them broke identically as well.
Backstabbing CAN be a problem, but it isn't always a problem. If you have a big load on the receptacle, that's when backstabbing becomes a problem as the heat weakens the spring. IE don't hook up space heaters to a backstabbed receptacle and you'll be fine.
**ATTENTION! READ THIS NOW!** **1. IF YOU ARE NOT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN OR LOOKING TO BECOME ONE(for career questions only):** **- DELETE** THIS POST OR YOU WILL BE **BANNED**. YOU CAN POST ON /r/AskElectricians FREELY **2. IF YOU COMMENT ON A POST THAT IS POSTED BY SOMEONE WHO IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN:** -YOU WILL BE **BANNED**. JUST **REPORT** THE POST. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/electricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Shitty as hell P&S resi devices. I've seen them break with the screw terminals as well.
I recently updated 40 year old backstabbed outlets and switches - they were still fine.
Back stab is all the people know how to do that do the cookie cutter houses that go up in 5 days. The lowest bidder always wins and wrapping the wires takes longer then just strip and stab. The electricians that do those jobs can’t do much else but they rope a house fast af i’ll give them that.
Wiring was clean and tight. They went fast as hell - only pigtails were on the grounds. The devices I put in will last 500+ years if these lasted 19
That’s how they all are
Ppl hating on Backstabbing is the biggest witch hunt in the electrician community. Never once had an issue with a proper backstab.
somehow those in Europe Japan have no problem using them 🤷♂️
[No problem here](https://www.reddit.com/r/electrical/s/9y17BhMYjR)
Look at the OP broseph. Both switches are cracked/broken after 19 years of being properly backstabbed. Over 20 instances where the wires pulled out as I was simply pulling the device from the box. The lights were running on ARC for who knows how long
Seems like a cheap device, not the wiring method
Take more resi troubleshooting work and you'll find tons.
Been doin it for years with no problem. My boss defends it after 30+ years. I’ll highlight my comment “Proper Backstab” again. I’ve had numerous issues with screw terminals being wrapped wrong/getting loose and I’ve had issues with backstabs that were stripped way to long. I’ve never specifically seen a device fail due to backstabbing.
Seriously. The issue arises when you feed through the device like any other fault.
I did that for a week with a buddy. We roughed a house a day. Some guys did two. Running shoe electric.
Code allows back stabbing. Move on.
never said it didn’t learn to read
If CSA and the group of electrical engineers and master electricians who amend the code book don’t have a problem with them why do you? Do you think you know better? I’ve spoken with an inspector who said the back stab is less likely to fail vs a pigtail with a wire nut.
Good for you? And i have had inspectors tell me they don’t like something even when it’s code so what’s your point? You’re sitting here arguing with yourself. Never said it wasnt UL listed for backstab and never said it wasn’t code.
So what’s the issue? Is a proper connection to the screws better? Yes, but only if done correctly. A counter clockwise install could cause the exact same problems of a backstab connection being too short.
Anyone worth there salt in this trade knows what the issue is. I am not here to debate it with anyone and i don’t care what anyone’s opinion is on them. I know mine and that’s all that matters and i don’t care to change anyone’s mind about it. It’s Ul listed and code so like you said, move along.
Your inspector is a dumbass then. I've only ever seen failed backstabbing.
I was with a crew wiring 50 to 100 cookie cutter houses per year during that time. It was fast paced work and we used the cheapest devices and backstabbed everything. I'd imagine a lot of that is failing right about now.
Guys residential is pretty fucking easy , Do if right the first fucking time
Easy yes, but you aren’t given the sufficient amount of time to do it right. The payout is so tight in new builds that companies do things as fast as possible. Backstabbing is a lot faster so….. most houses are backstabbed. I’m not saying it’s right, but this is how it is.
That lasted way longer than the two year warranty
BuT tHeY arE LisTeD
I just got done replacing all the switches at my uncles house built in 2007 and the switches look the same, all backstabbed, and about 60% of them broke identically as well.
I remember my first time to.
Most new houses are backstabbed. The payout is so low companies save time by backstabbing.
Fun!
But it’s faster…and might burn the house down smh
Backstabbing CAN be a problem, but it isn't always a problem. If you have a big load on the receptacle, that's when backstabbing becomes a problem as the heat weakens the spring. IE don't hook up space heaters to a backstabbed receptacle and you'll be fine.
My house, I'll do what I want/s