Did I purchase the right receptacle and if so, do the wires go into the back of the new one, as I am only familiar with installing wires onto the side?
Asked by Jonathan Franklin 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
I have a couple of questions:
1) Do you think I bought the right outlet?
2) If I did, do the wires also go into the back of this new one? I’ve only ever connected wires to the side before.
This ought to do the trick. Do you know if the wiring is 14/2 or 12/2? I recommend pigtailing the wires and securing them to the screws instead of just plugging them into the back of the receptacle.
I’m going to double check if the wiring is 14/2 or 12/2. Thanks for the suggestion!
The receptacle is rated for 20 amps so you should be good either way. If you pigtail the outlet, it’s better because the downstream lines should never be affected, and it’s also an easy task to accomplish.
The outlet is actually 15 amp (marked on the front), but 12 gauge wire is perfectly fine. A 20 amp receptacle has a T-shaped slot because a device that needs a 20 amp circuit has plug blades perpendicular to each other.
Oh yeah I recognize what a 20 amp receptacle looks like. It clearly states on the back that it can handle up to 20 amps, which is why I inquired. Without knowing the wiring size, they may have misinterpreted or used it on a kitchen receptacle.
Interesting. I’m curious why it’s labeled as 15 amps on the front. I assume it means a total of 20 amps between both outlets.
I think it’s simply a 15 amp receptacle. The term ‘heavy duty’ doesn’t seem to fit here, maybe the quality of construction is slightly better.
Definitely. Utilize the screws.
You have the option to choose either, but many individuals tend to opt for the screw.
Brass emits a warm/black hue
Silver appears neutral/white
Always stick to using screws. Avoid backstabbing. The metal components holding the wire can weaken over time from temperature changes, leading to loose connections and safety hazards. I have removed wires from some without any issues.
Oh no, ! That’s exactly why I inquired. Appreciate your input!
Like many others have pointed out, make sure to use the screws. 👍🏼
Attaching those wires with screws is a good idea.
You could have just opted for a basic 15-amp receptacle. Always use the screws, avoid backstabbing.
You have the flexibility to do it either way. It really comes down to personal preference when working with a single set of wires coming in and going out. In this situation, ensuring that the ground is connected to the ground screw is crucial, especially if the outlet is meant to ground from the box. Since it appears to be a plastic box, it’s best to attach the ground to the screw.
If I recall correctly, electricians typically use these plugs to avoid external shorts by covering the exposed wires.
I personally don’t really like or use the back push-ins. Can’t rely on them. I prefer using the side screws.
Definitely use screws instead of backstabbing the wires. I’ve encountered issues with backstabbed connections breaking. Consider using electrical strippers for easier installation.
It seems like the new outlet doesn’t offer a back wire option. There are two types of back wire connections – one involves stabbing while the other has a movable plate under the terminal screw. The second type is recommended over the first one, as it can accommodate different wire gauges.
To answer your question, yes, the black (hot) wires typically have a gold screw while the white (neutral) wires are usually polished in a chrome color. ‘t forget the ground wire, it’s usually green.
Based on the pictures, it doesn’t appear to be the case with yours. Remember, the neutral side is the one with the ground and the taller slit.