I was checking some electrical work done because the previous owners of our house had done some shady and incorrect electrical work. I wanted to check to see if both of these situation were OK.
- Is this setup correct to have both terminals used and the quick wire too?
- This box is being used as a junction box, which are the yellow wire nuts. Is this acceptable.
Best Answer
I don't believe it is correct to use both backstabs and screws. If it's legal, it's not a good idea, partly because backstabs are notoriously unreliable.
Also the socket in question is a 50 cent builder grade special, all the more reason not to use backstabs or the socket itself. A much better choice would be a $3 screw-and-clamp type such as Leviton, which allow 2 wire connections per screw, easily handling those 3 wires each side.
It's fine to use any box as a junction box. I do it all the time, a switch or outlet box is a good place to do it since they have to be accessible. Just watch your cubic inches. For instance, in that box I see
Total 11. Given their fondness for backstabs (well in fairness they are using screws wherever possible), this had better be 14 AWG wire. (Backstabs won't fit 12AWG). That requires 2 cubic inches per count, so 22 cubic inches. You'll have to look in the box for a cubic inch count stamped into it.