Q: What is "back stabbing"?
A: "Back stabbing" is when the quick connect hole are used in the back of the receptacle, instead of going around the screw or compression plate on the side.
Q: Why "Backstab"?
A: "Back stabbing" is used by companies as a shortcut trying to save money on labour. Instead of stripping the wire and going around the screw the wire is stripped and shoved into the back hole.
Q: What is wrong with "backstabbing"
A: The action of plugging and unplugging over time has the tendency to loosen the wires' connection, this causes the wires to arc, melt the receptacles and could even lead to causing fires.
Q: How do I know if my receptacles are installed this way?
A: If you are currently in a home and do not know how the electrician wired the devices, consider having a qualified electrician assess your devices. This would involve taking a look at a few devices to see if they are backstabbed. Chances are if a few devices are backstabbed, the entire building has backstabbed devices.
Note* If you see any discolouration or feel receptacles heating up call a certified electrician A.S.A.P.! These are signs you are having electrical issues and will soon have a bigger problem if not taken care of.
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