"bud--" wrote in message
.. .

They are allowed by the NEC because they are listed by UL.

UL used allow #12 wire in backstabs. Not anymore. Apparently their
original standard was flawed. (How about the #12 backstabs in use?)

The practical point is that (in many jurisdictions) the Fire Safety Code
is the only part of the Building Code that is retroactive, i.e. when
the FSC is updated (some) property owners may be obligated to
retrofit (some) structures or fittings so that they comply with the
current code. (I do not know the American system, viz. whether
part or any of the NEC is also in the Fire Safety Code. But codes
are periodically revised, so code authorities may require this
in future.)

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)