Good point!

I also *do not* wire my outlets by sticking the wires in the holes in the
back. I use needle nose plyers to make a round curve in the stripped wire,
then screw the wire down tight on the outlet.


"Beachcomber" wrote in message
On Sun, 20 Nov 2005 07:24:15 -0800, "Bill" wrote:

I install commercial grade 20 amp outlets in my house (also have 20 amp
circuits). These cost $3 each as compared with 69 cents, but I never have
such problems with them.

Also for construction work; saws, compressors, etc. I get the largest
gauge
extension cords I can buy. 12 or 10 ga. (Home deplete your bank account
has
these [Home Depot])

And if replacing plugs on an extension cord or appliance, I get commercial
grade heavy duty plugs which also have a screw down wire clamp.

And I *never* pull a plug out of the socket by pulling on the wire. This
can
damage the connection between the wire and the plug.

Basically I don't have any trouble.

Note: If the outlet which got fried is a 15 amp circuit, replace it with a
15 amp commercial grade outlet, not a 20 amp outlet. Commercial grade
outlets have much better contact with the prongs on the plug. So the plug
will not be warm to the touch after use.


Most likely you had the right equipment. Probably what happened was
that your outlet had a high resistance connection on it. If it was
wired as a poke and stab, this would be a likely cause, although a
loose wire on a loose screw could also give you high resistance.

The outlet sat there for years with no problem, but then you plugged
in your saw and started drawing high current. The high resistance
connection is going to heat up more and more and you saw the result.

Replacing with a high quality outlet and turning those screws tight
(with the power off) should solve the problem. Also, heed what the
previous poster said. Buy good, heavy duty extension cords. 10 ga is
best, minimum should be 12 ga.

Beachcomber