6 MISTAKES DIYers Make When Wiring Outlets
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- These 6 mistakes that we make as DIYers can be dangerous. Are you familiar with all six and how to wire an outlet or light switch properly and safely? #electrical #diy #tipsandtricks
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00:00 #1: Using Back Stab Terminals
00:55 #2: Using the Wrong Screwdriver
04:01 #3: Stripping Too Much / Little Wire
06:27 #4: Too Many Wires Per Terminal
08:57 #5: Wrapping in the Wrong Direction
10:42 #6: Leaving Screws Sticking Out - Навчання та стиль
Before even watching the video, props on starting right away and not wasting a minute or two of everyone's time with BS at the beginning!
Immediately to the point with no unnecessary rambling on, brilliant
Agreed 👍🏾
I just subscribed simply based on this comment Now i will
That caught me off guard too…. I thought it was an ad at first.
Plus the professional quality of both video and audio, and no music (because most of the time it is a poor choice, annoying or distracting).
Yep that's why I sub'd no bs get to it.
no silly intro, straight to the point, excellent presenter, accurate info, well produced
10/10
I just had to rewire a bedroom in my house. All outlets in my house were backstabbed and one room kept tripping the AFCI breaker, every night. I opened up all the outlets and switches and I didn’t find anything inherently wrong… so I decided to just get rid of the backstabs and wire it up properly with pigtails and wire loops under terminals. Hasn’t tripped a breaker since re wiring. Videos like this one helped put me on the correct path to diagnose and fix the problem correctly.
Why aren’t more channels this fast and to the point?! Great content.
Because the presenters want everyone to listen to how great they are. That's why
So many subtle factors separate ‘good’ instructional videos from ‘just watchable’ ones. Your technical but unpretentious vernacular, set lighting, scripting, sound recording quality, video editing and especially your approachable demeanor and appearance are IMO, Absolutely Perfect for DIY subjects.
That's an incredible compliment. Thank you SO much!
After 40 years of providing Air Force educational videos, it's a pleasure watching a simple, concise and well-done project with minimal equipment. Thanks for the straightforward approach.
Another advantage of the WAGO connectors is that you can mix solid wire and stranded wire *and* be able to disconnect and reconnect if need be without compromising the stranded wire. Twisting a wire nut onto a solid and stranded wire can cut the small strands as you tighten down which reduces the wires gauge or it could totally work loose.
Many smart switches or devices use stranded wire and it is tough to combine with wire nut connections. I use WAGO connectors almost exclusively now. WAGO connectors take more room than a wire nut so in a tight spot they may not make sense.
If done correctly, there are no problems combining solid and stranded wire. There is a specific technique that is to be employed.
I do electrical work professionally, and I've been casually telling "newbies" or anyone else who is seriously interested in how to wire electrical stuff properly, about all of these tips here in this video... Very well presented and accurate info!
Agreed.
Thank you so much! That means a lot coming from a pro like yourself.
yes electricity is VIBRATION and it is the vibration too that will cause wires to pull out
@@carlodonnell146 Actually, a loose connection usually gets worse because of heat buildup at the connection where it's loose, expanding and contracting the joint, depending on how much current is going through it, therefore making that connection even looser over time, many times to the point of the connection falling apart, and also even sometimes causing a fire from either arcing, and/or the heat buildup in the bad connection.
@@JoeJ-8282 are you saying that vibration is not a factor along with the expanding etc?
Just replaced all the backstab outlets in my house with commercial grade outlets. I like the straight wire connections in the back that tighten with screws. Also the internal connections for the plugs are much more rugged and durable. Several of my old backstab outlets were scorched and melted, some of the wiring had to be replaced. I also bought an ECX screwdriver from Lowes, very useful.
Go spec. Grade outlets .
There are so many small and not small tips and advice that anyone can use that they didn't know even after so many years of being a DIYer. Thanks for a great video.
I appreciate you mentioning the Robertson. I am a Canadian who worked in the electrical/electronics field and well as the industrial mechanical field. Most professionals as well as DIY guys in Canada would never use any other standard, and for many reasons. A property fitting high quality Robertson bit is by far the easiest to use.
Very thankful for these tips! Doing my first DIY electrical. Almost done installing 3 GCFI outlets, 3 lights, and 2 lighted medicine cabinets. Happy to say its going very well.
I try to get slightly upgraded outlets that have back wiring under the side pressure plates. I find more convenient thsn fiddling with the hooks
That's an excellent point. The side wiring options are excellent, like the ones at 8:50. I have found that Home Depot doesn't have a good price on them and neither does Amazon but Lowe's has by far the best deals on these. I'm considering a new video on exactly that topic because I shopped at four places to find that deal.
As an appliance repair tech.... Oh the things I have seen !!! Electric ovens and Dryers do not come with cords so the installation of a pig tail is required. If you decide to attempt this yourself PLEASE use a socket or nut driver to tighten the damn nuts on the terminal strip. I have lost count of the number of pig tail replacements due to burnt connections. If these brass nuts are not tight the connection becomes resistive over time. Pulling lots of current across a resistive connection generates heat, enough to burn the insulation on the wire of the pig tail and the appliance. BTW Great Videos, spot on!
Absolutely correct. What amazes me the most is that you know the common problems we see with DIYer/Handyman work and Apprentices.
Journeyman electrician here. With most wire nuts you should not pre-twist the wires together. The instructions on the box don't say to twist the wires on the two brands I have here (which is to say not to do it), and I have seen some instructions expressly state NOT to twist the wires together before putting on the wire nut. You must follow the manufacturer's instructions. It is important to make sure all the the wire ends are equal and then twist on the wire nut as tight as your hands can tighten it while firmly holding the wires from twisting. Then as you showed, check each wire to see if it will pull out. Then you are done!
You are 100% correct...to add...important to make sure all the the wire ends are equally stripped 3/4" hold them and tap the ends with your kliens or your callused thumb which ever hurts less and cut them even. Use kliens if you want to caress the wife smoothly with your hands!😄
"then twist on the wire nut as tight as your hands can tighten it while firmly holding the wires from twisting."
This is completely correct. There's no need to pre twist your wires.
Using WAGO connecters is the better way to go in most circumstances. Less stress on the fingers and hands over time.
You’re incorrect
Not a professional electrician but everything I have seen says not to pre-twist wires mainly because you can twist the wires together and the wire nut may not be secured to the wires. This is part of the reason I do another questionable practice, wrapping the wire nut with electrical tape.
I already knew many of these techniques, but I was VERY impressed by the "ECX" . Gonna go out and get some.
Thanks for turning me on to the ECX driver. Always learning.
Thank you, Nils. Hands down, this is one of the best DIY videos ever. Thanks for the great instructions and the tool recommendations. Wish I'd known all this much, much sooner! 😂
I enjoy watching “mistakes” videos, and for the first time in my viewing experience, I can say I knew all of these tips. I would most certainly share this with people who are just getting started in their DIY journey.
Thanks for the ECX information 👍👍🇺🇸
Cool, you learn something new every day, I've been an electrician for 33 years and I've never seen an ECX driver, I'm going to check it out. You're absolutely right about stab-in terminals, don't use them. New ones won't even take a #12 wire because they know they're not good for 20 amps. With a little practice you can learn to wrap the wires nearly as fast. Since you won't have to redo them you'll actually save time. Not burning your house down is another nice perk of properly terminating wires.
Agreed Will! And for the record, the back stabs won't even handle 15A long term!!! And this is from experience of failures with 1500w space heaters!
I first saw the ECX driver about a year or so before I retired.☹
I have always found back stabbed devices to be a lot harder to stuff in a box. So, I always change them.
Every duplex outlet I've had to replace-in 3 different homes-had these horrid back-stab wires in place. I literally had to bust apart the duplex fixture to get the wires out. good tips, there is no other way-except the right way with electrical-I've seen more than one house burned to the ground because of faulty wiring. Doesn't take much. One badly wired duplex outlet or switch can bring down an entire home.
40 years here. Never heard of them either. Its pretty neat. Can't tell you how many times I stabbed myself in the palm of my hand. Lol
Thank you for mentioning insulation for screwdrivers.
I was a professional HVAC technician for many years and I still have my insulated screwdrivers (they are my go-to set, and work equally well for electrical or non-electrical work.)
A trick you can use for specialty screwdrivers (or screwdrivers you already own and don't intend to replace) that do not come insulated is to place two layers of electrical shrink tubing over the shaft of the screwdriver (two neighboring sizes of shrink tubing one that barely fits over the shaft and one, slightly larger, that barely fits over the, single layered, covered shaft.)
Doing so provides a semi-permanent non-conducting layer and while not as good or as durable as a proper set of insulated screwdrivers they work wonderful in a pinch or for light use.
I never used them as an electrician unless I was around high voltage. Biggest mistakes electricians make is getting comfy on T-Bar, otherwise you should not be grounded to get zapped unless in a high electrical field area. Most of use wear good boots and whatnot to prevent grounding. But we get cocky and lazy, then electricity reminds you not to. I seen guys that know their stuff grab live 120v in one hand and a meter in the other to check because they knew they were not grounded. I am still not that ballsy.
Yes they do
Your comment is irrelevant
Wow! Was an electrician in the Navy and have done my own wiring for 50 years and learned something new!! Awesome videos!! Thank you!!
Very good video my father was a electrician for 30+ years and worked as AA electrician in a major Truck mfg. For the plant. He thought me so much during his life time and i am so grateful for him teaching me and not to make or take chances to have a failure. God bless him.
As a 30-year electrician, I appreciate the direct, concise advice here. The no nonsense approach is fantastic! I can't begin to tell you the amount of diy mistakes I encounter. Whether made last week, last year or last decade, they eventually come back to bite you....or the next person.
I had to start skipping through this, its for people without common sense which is not so common anymore, no real trade secrets here or anything and I am not an electrician or even close.
@@TryingToDiscover2 Might as well just use doorbell wire then. Or aluminum wire. I hope I don't encounter your wiring in a house I buy.
@@TryingToDiscover2 😂😂🤣🤣
@@TryingToDiscover2 Terrible comment. So someone plugs a high watt old light or heater into your suggestion. Surely you jest.
As an electrician to an electrician, can you tell me if it would be a big problem wiring an EV charger to a dryer outlet?
You're lever nut expose saved my day with an abs wire that broke off in a tight space.I couldn't believe such an easy fix existed. It's much easier than crimping especially when I can barely fit my hand behind the radiator and transaxle. Wow. That's a lifesaver. Thank you.
Hit the nail right on the head "didn't go to school or trained", 29 years as an Electrical Inspector this sums up the majority of "clients" I have to deal with even electrical contractors as there's no State wide licensing requirements here in NY State, very few even own a Code book, know where to look in it or even know what version is in force in the State.
That's mildly terrifying.
@@Shoop83 Just the facts.
@@Shoop83 i agree
@@Shoop83 someone uses Reddit.
@@edwardguillen4381 Far too much.
You could probably make a video about me personally and I would still learn something I didn't know.. also, I appreciate you not being above using and mentioning Harbor Freight tools. Great video, yet again!
Good video, thanks. One extra step I take is to wrap a layer of electrical tape over the screws before mounting the outlet in the box. Thanks again.
This was most helpful. Most of us didn’t know at least a couple of these things. Now I’m going back and checking the connections on the job I did a few months ago. Excellent job.
also when doing the hook on the wire, we learned to use the strippers the way was showed, but with and added reverse turn making the little hook look like a question mark. makes it a lot easier to put the wires on the receptacle.
I took an electrical in job corps and I was taught the same thing.
Thanks for a pragmatic and realistic video. I particularly appreciate that you avoided the grandiose, eye-rolling "Six Biggest DIY Mistakes in the History of the Universe"-type titles that I see all over YT!
Thank you for this video. I just bought several outlets to replace some of the older ones in my room. You just showed me how to best replace them. Thanks again.
Great video with solid advice! I'm old-school and having to change all the backstabbing in our 90s house as well.
Ive been a JW journeyman wireman since 87 and I must say well done sir. Two things I would add is I believe in just 3 wires on a recep unless its a half switched recep. In other words pigtail whenever there are more than just 1 hot 1 nuetral and 1 ground in the box. Wire nuts are a girls best friend as they are better at carrying the current to the other receps than the side tabs of the recep. If you look at the connecting tab between the 2 screws on each side you will notice the bridge between them and how thin and skinny it is. Its that way so you can break it off by bending it. That is so you can isolate the top recep from the bottom one for half switching the recep or in some cases supply the top and bottom receps with there own circuit. That skinny little piece is all there is to carry the load of down stream receps. The second is it seems logical to use short wires from the box to recep but in reality is much more difficult to push the recep back into the box and is against code. I like my wires to extend 6" from the front of the box and my pigtails to be 6" long. Then after attaching the pigtails to the recep and wire nutting the correct wires together simply fold the wires over and then accordian the wires that came from the box into the box then do the same with the pigtails and push pigtails and recep into the box. Using short wires makes it difficult to fold the wires into the box and if something goes wrong the longer wires leave you with enough wire to fix the problem plus code doesnt allow for short wires. Also installing with the u-ground hole up is a good safety measure thats not required by code but is specified to be that way on many jobs now. It would be tough to explain why its safer but trust me, it is.
You want to install the receptacle with the ground hole up because of something falls on it then it only makes contact with one contact instead of two. Listen for chance of a short.
In some jurisdictions 6" from front of box and ground pin up is code. Here, 6" for a very long time, and ground up since about 2000.
@@99bn99 Just a little history on U ground up. It was first introduced by Jerome Migetric. Im pretty sure I didnt spell the last name right but he was an electrical eng in Tucson, Az and introduced this idea in the late 1980's. And for those saying it is code it maybe that your local authorities have adopted it on a local basis but it is still not required by NEC. Another electrical milestone coming from Tucson was the Ufer bond or bonding to building steel. In case you couldnt guess I am from Tucson.
@@tonythomas951 I understood from a licensed electrician that ground up became code here (Ontario, Canada) about 2000. There were a lot of code changes made about the same time. It used to be that extension cords with right angle plugs hung down installed in a ground down receptacle. For at least 10 years, the new cords hang down in ground up receptacles.
@@tonythomas951 thank you for the history. I thought ground pins had been around a lot longer.
The biggest but maybe not so beginner is knowing about the jumper between the upper and lower recepticles on the hot side. Knowing to cut this when replacing a worn outlet can prevent a big problem when one of the receptacles is controlled by a wall switch and the other is always on. It's an easy item to overlook.
I am so glad I watched this video. I am 73 and have wired a plenty. I do so many of the things you covered, but as technology continues to advance, I certainly needed the up-tick. The proper tools are necessary to a job well done. A man is only as good as his tool. And an old tool can still get the job done. lol! Your presentations are great. It is shocking how some DIYers get things done. (pun intended) Thanks for the tips and tricks!
I add one last level of protection for your last mistake often seen (leaving the used screws loose). Starting at the top of the outlet I wrap the outlet terminals with one run of electrical tape so that all contacts (screws and wires) are covered with a small amount of insulation material. And thank you for the excellent video, as a DIY person I have made all the mistakes you have shown in the past and have learned some hard lessons from those mistakes. Thanks again, I only wish I had seen this video 15 years ago. LOL
I also tape my switches especially if there are 2 or more so bare Ground wire on second switch don't short the first switch
I also do that to prevent getting shocked whle manipulating it.
However I was told that it was not a good idea because the gap between the screws and the box has a purpose. If there is an overload, it is preferable for the spark to happen in the box and not in the walls.
However I did save my uncle from electrocuting himself when he grabbed a plug the wrong way as we wer moving a circuit.
So now I put that tape for safety when It's exposed and I remove it when I put it back in. 🤷♂
Electricians don’t put tape on outlets or switches. Homeowners do that. Today most boxes are plastic so no need for tape.
And when the tape dries out and falls off, you have nothing, but you think you do. Don't be advising people to install doo dad ideas that have no basis in fact. Just tell people to do what the NEC says to do, which may include following mfgrs directions as the priority, ie, wire nuts.
Good video. Thanks for explaining why not to use the Back Stab Terminals. I've used them before but didn't realize what you pointed out. Thank you for that. I'll never use them again even tho they're more convenient to use than the screws. Great tip.
Excellent video, should be viewed by everyone doing electrical repairs. I've been doing wiring for many years and have experienced all of these mistakes. I had never heard of an ECX driver, but now I need to get one.
I've been doing electric for over 20 years and nothing grips those screws better than the ECX driver bit it is literally made specifically for those screws. But remember there are two different sizes so you have to get the right size. I would just buy both of the common sizes so you're sure to have the right one, they're pretty cheap.
@@actionjksn Been having issues with Kline #1 ECX tips breaking often. #2 ECX not so much but the only time I use that one is on Eaton breakers and some panel ground terminals. Have you encountered this?
@@jasonj4865 That's funny that you mention that because yes I broke mine as well. I do not attribute it to being an inferior design though, I just figured mine was not very good quality Steel. I don't see where it is inherently any weaker than a flathead. The fact that it grips so well which allows you to apply a lot more torque to it is most likely the cause. I'm eventually planning to look for a set of high-quality ones and if I get several of them I guess it won't matter if I break one I can just put a new one in. I do have a tendency to really crank down on those screws in order to get the best connection possible. Maybe I'll just buy a large pack of cheap ones and not worry about when one breaks.
Ecx holds exceptionaly well.
Thanks for the info, I like the term " Cam out" I don't like it when someone cams out screws
Surprised you didn't cover reverse polarity. That's one of the most common mistakes I have run into...
AC
AC has no polarity.
Hot and neutral reversed is what I believe you meant, and yes, it is a serious and common problem.
I have seen one case where hot and ground were swapped. That's SCARY.
Unfortunately I’ve seen most if not all of these mistakes in new construction performed by lic. electricians. I had a complaint the other day of a kitchen GFCI sparking when anything was plugged in. I removed the outlet and found the hot line wire was over striped so about and 1/8” of bare wire was exposed. When the plug was pushed into the box the ground wire bent up under the bare hot. When something was plugged in the two wires made contact and tripped the breaker. The ground was burnt in two.
Yikes! Yeah, there's all kinds of stuff out there and some of it is poorly done. Glad you were able to take care of it for them!
@@LRN2DIY it got worse than that They have a 5 story parking garage. They wired up all the 120v outlets with 240v some how. Still don’t know how they did it. I don’t know if they had the neutrals on single pole 20s or they wired both hot and neutral on a double pole breakers. Apparently there was some confusion if the bldg was going to be 3 phase or something along those lines. They didn’t realize the outlets were 240v until several 120v devices got burnt up. Luckily no one got hurt or killed
Yes, I enjoyed his presentation, I built my house years ago but I'm rusty now. Things have changed so much, this type of Quality info can help you get back to it and enjoy working with you're projects !!
"Safety is no Accident" ...good tee shirt idea
Excellent video! Key points I focus on is 6” of free lead from where the wire exits the box, tug test on all wires made up in a wire nut, and wrapping the terminals in either electrical tape or a newer product that looks like a very wide rubber band. Thank you for the video!
eh, I find tape not as reliable as a nut of those clamps. Wago also makes a push-in version as well, very reliable. I use Wago where I have a ton of wires to connect.
Nice presentation ...no music, no BS just useful tips.
As a career contractor I love the videos. You have touched on many of the common problems we find. Great work!
Great video! Best part is no nonsense - just useful information. Polarity is one thing you can add. Hot to brass screws, neutral to silver screws.
I am proud to say I have never made any of those mistakes. Except for the ecx driver. I use an insulated Philips. But I'm going to get an ecx.
I was taught by my dad, who was a shipboard naval electrician during the Korean war.
Fine video, I might add. No drawn out blather. Succinct & informative.
I would add two more products to the list, both are cheap and give piece of mind.
A simple three prong outlet tester, which you plug in and can identify a few simple issues (correct wiring, reversed polarity, ground fault, etc).
And a voltage tester pen, I always use one of these even after I’ve tripped the breaker, gives piece of mind knowing the outlet is dead-dead.
As a professional electrician I never trust a voltage pen to tell me something is OFF if I might get shocked working. I only trust it to tell me it is ON.
Use a meter and test the meter first before trusting IT.
Live, dead, live check of the meter.
I work with lethal voltages so I take the extra step
Just make sure you test the device on a hot receptacle FIRST.
@@davedickinson6345 always my brother live dead live
One thing I did learn that was great to find out about was those ECX screwdrivers. A #2 phillips has always served me well but I’m definitely going to be picking one of those up.
This guy ain't kidding around. Immediately to the point. Thank you sir. Very helpful tips I'm about to replace 10 outlets . Glad I saw you're video..
Great advice, well presented. Every light switch in my house was backstabbed and when I replaced them, not only did some wires pop out on removal, some of the backstab holes were dark and/or actually broken from years of arcing due to the bad connection. The sparkies building these houses in my neighborhood were only interested in doing the job fast, not doing it right.
And I heartily recommend that set of Milwaukee screwdrivers.
Ain't that The American way , the Boss wants it done fast , and skip the quality of work.
Klein, fluke or bust with regard to electrical tools.
Had the same problem in my house and 3 times down stream plugs were non operationable until located and screwed on. Real pain to search them out. They should be outlawed.
Thank you for getting straight into the video!! Very helpful information.
Thanks!
You mean some people like to tell us their whole life story before getting to the purpose of the video? it's humourous ha!
The understandable information per minute on this video is outstanding. I learned more in a few minutes on the topic than the rest of my 50 years. Great video.
Very informative and straight to the point.
I never knew about the ECX driver, but now I have to get one of those.
Overall great video and good tips. But I disagree with one of your suggestions. I have been an Electrician now for 39 years. I couldn't agree more. If backstabbing outlets and switches were unsafe they would have been outlawed long ago. They are still UL approved and still approved in the National Electrical Code. The only change over the years is that you can't backstab 12 AWG anymore and the holes have gotten smaller as to not allow that. The problems you see with backstabbing comes from improperly installed or poor-quality switches and outlets. Leviton has always made high-quality switches and outlets and that's all we have ever used over my whole career. I have seen some other brands over the years that were not good quality.
I have to disagree. I've replaced outlets and switches as was needed, I am nowhere even close to a professional, yet on every 1 pulled out to replace, the "backstabbing" pulled out extremely easily. I don't doubt for an instant, that high quality switches or outlets don't suffer from this issue, but that's not what is being used on "cookie cutter" houses, they are using the CHEAPEST things they can get ahold of in an effort to make the most amount of profit they can... I'm sorry to inform you, "cookie cutter" houses are the most popular houses being bought and in turn, they are using the cheapest item they can get ahold of. This UA-camr has already done a video about the comparison between "cheap" outlets and
"high quality" outlets, perhaps you should take the time to watch it. You, being a "professional", have your reasons for not using the cheapest thing you can get your hands on, but that doesn't mean they are not being used on a daily basis by companies "mass producing" houses... That's sort of "short sited" on your part.
@@david78212 "The problems you see with backstabbing comes from improperly installed or poor-quality switches and outlets" He basically said the same thing as you!
Often the success (or failure) of backstab wiring can depend on the gauge of the wire, too.
I have always pigtailed all receptacles.
@@asymptoticsingularity9281 That's a waste of time. Fine if you're DIYing, but for a professional electrician, it's a lot of lost time and time is money. Especially in a commercial setting when you're installing literally hundreds of the things.
This was a great video! The information was well researched, well presented and well filmed. Thanks for making it. I had never seen an ECX screwdriver! I'll definitely be getting one of those.
Thanks so much, Evan. I find that I spend WAY more time researching for my videos nowadays so by the time I get to filming and editing I feel like I'm already most of the way done. That said, I can guarantee you I'll still miss some things and mess up so I appreciate everyone's patience as we all learn :)
@@LRN2DIY Wasn't that last plugin shown wrong on the white wire or ground wire? I'll go back an check also.
10:47
Thanks for the ECX driver tip. Here is DIY mistake #7: reverse polarity for hot and cold wires. BTDT (without incident)
Love it! You hit all the things I learned wiring houses. We used the back wire receptacles in the 80’s. But doing home repairs in the 2000’s I was removing them because they were not good.
I would suggest adding a 7th common mistake to the list. If the 2 outlets are on separate circuits, be sure to snip the factory-installed jumper wire between the outlets. Obviously, I learned this lesson the hard way!
If you're a diy'er please don't put multiple circuits in the same box. Somethings are best left for professionals. That's not even a common practice the tabs more for switching half the receptacle. If you don't know what that means you should call an electrician
I would never put 2 different circuits on the same device, especially opposite polarity.
But he didn't call it 7 mistakes. He called it 6 mistakes. Which one would you have suggested he leave out. Or should he just call it Sixty Bazillion mistakes?
@@srfour excellent point
Great video Nils! As one who has done a lot of handyman jobs on the side, I wrap the electrical outlets with electrical tape especially when they are installed in metal electrical outlet boxes. That way the screws are less apt to make contact with those boxes. Also, TY for the tip about ECX screwdrivers. That was very helpful! 😉
The electrical tape is what I was going to mention as well. All the outlet boxes in my old house are metal.
Same with the tape 👍👍👍
great video, you speak my language and i have already learned a ton just by watching 2 videos. Thanks
Well done, this should help many with doing their electrical in a safe manner, and you own up to past mistakes which is a confidence builder for those who may need it.
I’ve taken my electrical safety one step further, these six steps plus wrapping the outlets and switches with electrical tape, guards the hot and common posts from the bare ground wires in the boxes. Also, if you have that moment of complacency, you won’t get jolted when you grab the sides of the switch or outlet that you’re working with.
Yup definitly argee w/ that practice for outlets & switches
Being as I replace a lot of motors doing HVAC I in addition to switches & outlets I wrap all wire nuts with electric tape ...a simple cheap way to insulate your favorite screwdriver is shrink insulation,...
wrapping switches , outlets and wire nuts was mandatory on commercial jobs in the IBEW
I also give a few wraps round the plastic connectors because when you stuff everything back in the box who knows what you might inadvertently loosen?
that jolt will remind you that you should have killed power or kept your fingers away from the sparky parts.
One thing I’ve learned working in the Chicagoland area where conduit is required even in residential and therefor stranded wire is very common is twisting the exposed strands to the left (mimicking the pitch on the factory right hand twist throughout the wire) before making your hook. It keeps the strands from splaying out to a surprising degree.
Did you accidentally say this backwards? If you twist the exposed strands to the left, that would be opposite of the factory right-hand twist.
Great video! I always go the extra mile and add electrical tape around the outlets/switches just to keep it safe for the next person when they work on it.
Wonderful video, no wasted time, and I spent the entire video learning new things or remembering things I forgot that are important. Thanks for doing this so well.
Excellent presentation! I just subscribed. I do have one suggestion: At ~8 minutes in, you twisted wires for splicing using a wire nut. You twisted the wires clockwise, which feels natural. HOWEVER, if you twist them COUNTER-CLOCKWISE they will form threads in the proper direction and the wire nut will be much more secure. Just sayin' 🙂
Righty Tighty, Lefty Lucy
As an extra safety, I wrap the outlet screws with a couple of turns of electrical tape. When you have a box with multiple outlets it insures against shorts.
This. I mean, there's no code to it, but it was how I was taught by other electricians when going thru apprenticeship school.
@@johnn3793 I worked with an electrician for a year and he required it too, especially in metal boxes.
Clear, concise, straightforward and intelligent advice/instruction...what could be better? Thanks for this great video!!
I've been using the back plug in's for ever. So far, I've had no problem's with doing that. But, I don't think I'll be doing that anymore. Great video and information. I appreciate you sharing this info.👍
I love DIY people lol. They keep me in business 😉
I have been using the #1 Robertson for a few years now, but with the ECX you obviously get the most torque with less chance of stripping the head. I have that 15 to 1 and have used the ECX. I'm a master electrician with 27 years in the trade.
So much great information in a short video. Thank you so much for this great demo and valuable DIY lesson!
I never knew about the holes function in the cheaper wire strippers, and I curled like 20 shepherds hooks today without that. Now I know for next weekend. Thanks!
Ok, ok. I'm a believer. No more 'backstabbing' new outlets for me! I may even go through the house and fix those! And, yes - also guilty of counter-clockwise hooks and now I know why! The wire gauge on the back is a terrific help as well although I always thought that it was just for the proper backstab length! The screwdriver and stripper hints were awesome. Dad always said "right tool, right job". Nicely and concisely presented. Thank you LRN2DIY!
Absolutely nothing wrong with the backstab connection. He is just misinformed on the topic.
it is almost impossible to get anything with screw terminals in Germany, they are all push in connectors.
@@jasonmorehouse3756 NEC prohibits backstab use with any wire larger than #14. I think that says something.
@@ghost307 The holes in the devices prevent anything larger than #14 anyway. The unfortunate fact is, spec housing is built and wired and plumbed and roofed and sided by the lowest bidders. If it's legal and saves time, it is done. But no DIY should be concerned with the couple of minutes it takes to use the screw terminals.
One more thing I always do when working on outlets or switches, whether commercial or residential, is to wrap them along the terminals with good electrical tape. This just adds an extra layer of protection in the event someone or something comes poking along behind you. It's not needed, but it is a good peace of mind.
I do the same thing.
very useful in metal boxes and recommended, in plastic boxes not necessary and you may be asked to remove tape wrapping in plastic boxes by inspector.
not that its a code violation but it can block inspection view and repairs can get risky when you have stubborn tape
Same.
Yeah but in a couple years the tape adhesive turns to goo and makes a big mess. Then any repair you have to get the sticky junk on your hands.
@@court2379 very true and sticky goo can make working on line more risky but in a metal box its worth it not in plastic
I also noticed one thing here that you didn't mention (unless I got distracted). When you twisted the 3 wires, you twisted them clockwise from the pointy ends. That makes sense because the wire nut will twist on the same way, so it doesn't try to unwind the wires as you twist it on. I never thought of that either until I saw this and another video this morning. Thanks for the tips!
I love my ECX drivers! Absolutely genius invention.
As a 38-year electrician and 31 years as an electrical contractor, instructor and employer, this video is spot-on for beginners and journeyman who never learned how to do it right. I do you use the backstab rather than wrapping the wire around the screws on the neutral and the hot wires. The reason I do this, is because this is AFTER I have pigtailed EVERYTHING so only three wires are going to the receptacle - the hot, the neutral and the ground. Of course pig-tailing takes longer but once you've pigtailed everything out, backstabbing receptacles in residential for various reasons is adequate. This would be the only time I would do it. If I did not pigtail out I would use the screws on the sides of the receptacle, but again if you pigtail (which is better if you do it right) go ahead and stab the wires in the back of the receptacles
Spot on!
Anyone that uses stab ins ,ever, is a hack. always pigtail and always wrap around screws.
@@HellcatM6 What a naive, shortsighted, inexperienced, reality impaired comment. It's about the load on the stab-in silly and I'm sorry you're having trouble.
@@HellcatM6 You're wrong. Pigtailing is not always necessary, terminal screws are designed for feedthrough current.
Wow, I've wired four of my homes, always passed inspections, but I never knew about ECX bits, nor did I know about the little holes in my wire strippers to form a shepard's hook, I always used needle-nosed pliers. Thanks, your video was very interesting and informative, thanks so much !
Same here, David. I never knew about ECX bits 😎 I'm also happy to see the Wago connectors mentioned. I was sold on Wago a couple years ago and have a nice assortment of them for DIY home use. Great product. I only wish they made those in larger wire sizes.
Me too
Same story as David and 2 replies. I got to get me some Wagos and ECX bits!! Thanks Nils. Really well done.
I think the ECX bits are relatively new.
I've got a couple of screwdrivers with those bits, but only use them for high volt
the two holes actually have a different purpose;
note they are two different sizes, look closer and you will see they are threaded
they are to cut 6-32 and 8-32 screws down to size
professional inside journeyman here. Great video, There are so many wrong videos on youtube but this is simple and to the point but most importantly accurate!
Thanks for this. Have replaced sockets and Switches. I will remember this!
I used to read the Code book before every project. Now I do only with 240-volt work BUT You still got me on a few things. Great video. Off subject but there are probably some DIYers out there who skip putting ALL connections in an electrical box. A few years ago a light switch quit working. When I took the box's plate off I was shocked at how nasty an EXPLOSION can be inside those things. A significant portion of the whole switch was VAPORIZED. That Would Have started a fire if it hadn't been in a box.
I'm a handyman with thirty + years of experience, and my specialty is electrical work. I've heard about electrical fires, but never seen any evidence as you just described. Thank you for sharing. It's a very valuable lesson.
Explosion... If the switch was in a box... Would it be then considered a, "boom box"? Okay, bad joke!
Extra points for using all the correct terminology, or terminal-ology - if you’re feelin’ punny. 👍
correct nomenclature goes a long way with pros and he did well with his presentation though i see it was filled with flaws
He called the wire nut a cap. I've never heard that before.
@@rulrich45 in different areas they call different things different names west coast we call out moms mom and east coast mama in country mema. in north theres taters and in south potato's
you can call a wire cap a dohicky for all i care. there are the social types and the science types...if your a social grammar and identifiers mean everything and your clueless if the nomenclature is off. the science type are just focused on mission or task and you rarely pick up on grammatic errors because your brain is imaging and calculating.
@@kevinalmeida7159 Just helping the algorithm.
I'm a dad. I'm always feelin' punny!
Very informative, I have done a couple outlets and this would have been useful prior to it. Never used the holes in the back, but it makes sense to what you said.
32 years as an Electrician, this is a very good video well done. Only extra thing to mention is labeling power source to know which one to shut off before wiring.
Excellent video. And yes, those WAGO connectors are, by far, the best way to go. They may not be as cheap as wire nuts, but they aren't very pricey and they are absolutely fantastic!
You just have to ensure they are rated properly...
Wagos suck!!!!!Wire nuts are best.
@@davidcooper4385 ok, cool
Very nicely done! Happy to say that as a DIYer with no "formal" electrical training, I've never made any of those mistakes - most of it is common sense anyway. But informative. I never knew those "backstabbers" were so bad. Never used them because I was just always leary of them but always thought if they weren't okay they wouldn't be there in the first place.
Backstabs may be ok for light draw light circuits if you don't mind some flickering. Never for outlets. Appalling they allow them. I solder all high amp connections rather than use just wire nuts.
Not even legal in places like Boston.
excellent .... from a 42 year retired electrician
You should not limit yourself to DIY folks
I NEED THIS POUNDED INTO THE BRAINS OF 'PROFESIONAL' electricians
.
And glad you started with the push ins .... I do not understand why they keep remaining legal
.
BUT ALSO you need to add a #7 ..... "When installing in a metal box or even in a multy 'module' box (if crowded) .... wrap the switch/outlet with a piece of electrical tape to additionally insure against accidental contacts
.
But one of the best videos I have seen .... covered most of my frustrations going into 'certified electrician wired homes'
And thanx for the combo driver info --- sadly I still find new 'modules' not using the square (#1 robertson) center and got to scramble
Now that I know those back stabs exist I'm very tempted to use them.
I'm a master electrician. This was a very good video. Especially on using the push inserts. Also not taping around an outlet before installing. Code requires this in some areas
I better look up the code concerning taping the devices. Could you please tell me what section and subsection number your referring to? Are you referring to Canadian Electrical code or another nation's, American, for instance?
@@renebatsch2555 I'm American. It's not nec required, but small codes differ from city to city. I've come across a handful now who want the taping around it which to me is redundant as it might serve a helpful purpose in metal boxes, but if the boxes are grounded as they should be it's pointless anyway. My apologies for not making clear it's a local thing I've ran into several times.
@@rustymarrs4832 Thank-you for the reply. I used to wrap electrical tape around the receptacles as well years ago - just as I was shown by many journeymen.
I don't anymore as it makes it harder to trouble shoot if one has trouble stabbing into the slots with ones prob-tips and can't touch the side of the terminal tabs because of the tape. Also it prevents inspection of the terminals and wire ends when the device is pulled out of the box. Also the tape, if not allowed to relax before wrapping, will start to work loose and in time leave a tacky, encumbering mess. The only time I use tape now is temporarily on light switches hanging out the box when I'm painting a room and want to keep the room's light in use.
p.s. I'm a 32 year member of the I.B.E.W. local 353.
@@renebatsch2555 nice and yes I agree on tape just being a Headache. The only thing I tape anymore are colors on strand wires from single rolls to mark hots from neutral and ground. I don't wire hot to neutral old school so I don't have to mark those, so colors and wire nuts after twisting hots are about it.
Superb!
Love the simplicity and tour knack for getting right to the point.
I actually learned something. Thanks.