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I am replacing all my electicial outlets and only one has wires that are too big to put into the back of the new outlet. Any suggestions?

Tester101
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Mike
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3 Answers3

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You probably have 12 gauge wire on that part of the circuit, which won't fit into the push-in connector on the back of a 15A receptacle (it's only good for 14 gauge). Is that the only receptacle on that branch circuit? If so, it might be a 20A circuit, so you'd need a 20A receptacle (otherwise you risk overloading the receptacle and damaging it, which could lead to a fire):

Picture of 20A receptacle

But as @DA01 says in his comment above, always use the screw terminals. They give a much more secure connection.

Community
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Niall C.
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As long as you are going through the trouble to replace your receptacles, I have some recommendations:

  1. Choose high quality models, especially those labeled "commercial" or "industrial" grade. They have tougher plastics that won't break as easily. I've often seen cheap receps break and lose bits of plastic, and they are left in service for decades.

  2. Choose receps that have a contoured face. This makes it easier to get the plug in the right spot in the dark or behind furniture. Otherwise, it's tempting to use your finger to guide the plug in to the hole, which makes it easy to get shocked.

  3. Get receps that have screwdown clamps. These are easier to install than wrapping the wire around a screw; more secure than stabbing in the back of those crappy receps; easier to remove than both.

  4. Install tamper-resistant receptacles. These are code-required in many places, and they're a good idea.

As others have noted, it sounds like you're trying to insert 12ga wire in to a hole that only fits 14ga (for a 15A circuit). Don't use that feature; see #3.

Jay Bazuzi
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A lot of older construction in NA (70s 80s) has push in receptacles and switches that accept 12 ga wire. After reading code books and seeing push in failures I am a firm believer in screw connections. My current residence (1983)is 12 ga 20 amp circuits and I am replacing all of the push in with screws (also changing color). Makes me sleep better and I get a look at all circuits to find issues.

James
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