Wiring a double outlet, how-to dept.

On Wed, 1 Dec 2010 02:42:52 -0800 (PST), Eric in North TX


I certainly hadn't thought of it.  Thanks.

I'm not sure I understand you.  Are you saying that you previously had
difficuty connecting one of the two duplex outlets to the other?  If so, I
am minorly sad to inform you that there is no need to connect them as they
*come* connected (unless you have broken off the tabs that do so).

--

dadiOH
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It would seem what he's talking about is putting two duplex outlets
into a box.  Not sure I see the big issue here either though.   You
just leave the two outlets slightly loose in the box so they can move
just a bit, then align them to the cover plate as you put it on.

There is an element I hadn't seen necessary to mention, I use 12 ga
wire exclusively and in short runs like that it is very stiff. I have
had success in the past making the connecting wires V shaped which
gave them a little give, but this is definitely superior, it is like
installing a sub assembly.

Ah, I see...two 2-receptacle devices.  I think that's a great idea, don't
ever recall seeing such.  And a cursory Google search doesn't turn up any
ready made ones (hooked together so only one has to be wired) which rather
surprises me as I'd think *some* manufacturer would have had a similar
inspirational moment.

And I agree about 12 gauge wire, a real PITA.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

Lots of luck on that with 12 gage. It's far faster to use something
similar to the OP suggestion, even better with pigtails.

Great idea, must remember that. WW

On Wed, 1 Dec 2010 02:42:52 -0800 (PST), Eric in North TX

87b52cfbbd8c@y19g2000prb.googlegroups.com:


I finally figured out what you meant! Yes, a good tip. If what I perceived
is not what you meant then I have a good idea! :-)

The idea of attaching two devices to a cover plate and wiring them there
only is practical only if you use back-stab connectors, generally a
frowned-upon shortcut and only possible with 14 gauge wire.

For added long-term reliability the two devices should be wired with one
unbroken length of wire.  This requires sufficient wire length outside
the box when the wire is first run.  Strip away enough wire to loop
around the terminals of the first device about 6 inches from the end of
the wire, then strip away from the end of the copper for the second
device.  Wire both devices before placing them in the box; you can use
the cover plate to shape the wires for the proper distance between the
devices.
--

I disagree, the 4 hard wire posts allow for secure attachment of the
connecting wires, with 4 spots let over for hard wiring / expansion,
The sloppy nature of doing it all in position would not be more
reliable than the sub assembly securely wired in with nicely looped
wires. I don't back stab, that is just asking for it. There are 8
screws between the 2 outlets, only 4 are needed to complete the sub
assembly.