Trying to swap out one of the 110V outlets. How are these two wires at the back of the outlet released?
Shove a small screwdriver blade into the adjacent slot while tugging on the wire.
Thanks, Andy! I must admit it was a little more difficult than it sounded (could have used a third hand) but I got it done.
I’m swapping out the dark brown (almost black) outlet over the kitchen counter as it gets used frequently and it’s difficult for these aging eyes to see the prong holes when plugging something in. The white should be much easier to see. But I noticed that the new white cover isn’t quite as big as the old one, thus isn’t quite flush with the cabinet bottom, so I’m going to see if I can find a slightly larger cover.
Just a little advice, those push in connections aren't always the best. I prefer to use the side screws especially if you have a higher connected load plugged in.
Jon
Hum, I’ve had trouble seeing that outlet too, didn’t think about switching to white for that outlet, I’ll shop for a white one with a couple USB-C outlets as well.
Great idea!
What Jon said: use the screw terminals. The push-ins are a quick and dirty way for builders to throw together a wiring system, but they're not the most vibration-resistant in a moving vehicle.
I’m swapping out the dark brown (almost black) outlet over the kitchen counter as it gets used frequently and it’s difficult for these aging eyes to see the prong holes when plugging something in. The white should be much easier to see. But I noticed that the new white cover isn’t quite as big as the old one, thus isn’t quite flush with the cabinet bottom, so I’m going to see if I can find a slightly larger cover.
Oversize cover plates are widely available, referred to as "Midsize".
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-1-Gang-White-Duplex-Outlet-Receptacle-Nylon-Midway-Midsize-Wall-Plate-1-Pack-PJ8-W-R62-00PJ8-00W/100356815
Larry
Appreciate the link, Larry! Andy and Jon, to clarify, the existing outlet used both screw terminals and the push in type. I haven’t replaced very many outlets so the push in type was a first for me. The new outlet was one I had in the garage and it also had a spot for the push in wires so I connected the new outlet exactly as the existing one was.
So, there were two white wires connected with screw terminals on one side, and a ground wire, which used a screw terminal, on the same side. Then two black wires connected with screw terminals on the other side. In addition, one each of the push in type coming in from the back. Not sure what purpose those serve but then I’m no electrician. I did test the outlets with one of those light testers afterwards though to ensure it was properly wired.
I’m working on the outlet above the dinette now and am more confused than ever. This one only has one white wire, one black wire, and a ground. The outlet in the kitchen area has a total of six wires and a ground. Why the difference?
Typically, that is the end of a run for that string of outlets, just 1 set of each. Now the 6 wires plus ground is interesting.. I guess you can do that but typical its just 4 wires on 120 volts.
Hi Greg; The romex coming in has a white (neutral), black (hot) and a ground. When you use a push in hole to connect a solid strand of wire, pull on it to make sure it doesn't just pull out. The spring inside is supposed to grab the wire and 'dig in'. This ensures a 'gas tight' connection. There is a small rectangular hole next to the round hole for the wire. You need to insert a blade screwdriver into that hole to release the solid copper wire, if you wish to disconnect it. I always use the screw terminals, they have more surface area of contact with the bare wire. I get the screw very tight without breaking anything. With only two screws, (per side) you have one coming in, and one going out. To save weight and wiring time, if you have two nearby sockets, possibly one adjacent in the same box, you can use the push in connections on that screw outlet to connect to another outlet. That's the only way to 'T' out to a nearby outlet. The Romex in, Romex out should be for more sockets in the daisy chain. As mrfixit454 said, the last socket on the line only has the incoming Romex. The GFCI breaker controls all of the sockets downstream of it. All of the outlets except one are protected by the GFCI. RonB
OK, thanks for the explanation guys; it sort of makes sense to me. Here is what the outlet in the bathroom looks like: four wires (and ground) but not the extra pair going into the back pop-in terminals like the one in the kitchen. 🤔