Mamba wrote:
"Noozer" wrote in message
news:hbrYi.186268$Da.25681@pd7urf1no...

"Mamba" wrote in message
...

I added a new outlet in my basement this past weekend. I ganged it off an
existing 15 amp circuit and put the outlet below the light switch. I
wired it with 14/2 Romex.

I had intended to use a 15 amp GFI outlet, since I may be using long
extension cords from this outlet for possible outdoor uses. When I
stripped the final 1/2" or so off the Hot and Neutral, I found that the
wire appeared to be too "skinny" to connect into the holes in the GFI
outlet. In other words, the wire bottomed out in the hole but didn't
"catch". I realize I could have used the screw attachments, but decided
against it, thinking there might be an incompatibility somehwere.

Several folks will tell you to ***NEVER*** use those holes.

*IF* they work when new, they will most certainly cause you issues later.

ALWAYS use the connection secured by a screw. There are outlets that have
the rear holes that have the wire held in by the side screws. These should
be OK.

Well, OK. What about the apparently gauge diffs between wire and the
supplied holes?



Are you sure the backstab holes aren't actually clamp connections that
are tightened up when you tighten the screws? All the GFCI receptacles
I've installed are like that and also some "spec grade" regular receps.

And again, if they are *not* like that, who cares? Only hacks use the
"push and lock" backstab connections.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel