I'm tying into an existing outlet box to provide power for a new electrical outlet. The existing outlet already has 2 lines connected to it – one from "upstream" (to the fuse box) and one downstream to more outlets. The existing lines are connected to the "quick connect" holes in the back of the outlet, leaving 2 open terminals on each side of the outlet. Is it okay to connect the third new line to the side terminals, and the new ground wire in with the other two grounds?
So the new setup would consist of this:
- 2 lines (2 white + 2 black wires) connected through the backwiring holes
- 1 line (1 white + 1 black wire) connected via the side terminals (black on "long" side, white on "short" side).
- all three lines' ground wires pigtailed, with the pigtail connected to the one ground terminal on the outlet.
Best Answer
There is no problem connecting wires to both the "back stab", and screw terminals of a receptacle. As long as the terminals are rated for the size of wire being attached. For example. Most "back stab" terminals are rated for 14 AWG solid copper wire, whereas screw terminals are usually 12 or 14 AWG solid or stranded copper.
With that said... It sounds like your receptacles might be hooked up backwards. The black ungrounded "hot" conductor should be connected to the brass colored screw, which is on the side of the receptacle with the shorter slot (at least in the US).