Hello:

Curious about the term, and usage of, "back wiring" as it applies to simple
residential wall switches:

The kind of switches I've used in my house over the years that had a "back
wired" provision
were that they were simply provided with holes for the stripped wires that,
once pushed into, were held
by spring loaded grippers internally.

But I see that the term is also apparently used for the metal plate that
some switches now come with
which is under the normal wire holding screws. This plate has a simple
groove in it that apparently you
push the stripped wire into. The screw, when tightened, applies pressure to
this thin
plate and thus holds the stripped wire in place via the plate's groove.
Guess you could call it a pressure-plate.

a. Really want to be sure that I am using it right: is this a correct
description of how it is supposed to be used ?

b. Also, which is best: the holes in the back, this pressure plate
approach, or the screws themselves.

Thanks,
Bob