I've seen multiple mentions on this site about how bad "backstab" connections are. I recently replaced a switch for a fan with a timer, and the switch had backstab connections instead of screws (the timer has screws). That switch looked identical to all the other fan and light switches in my house, so I'm guessing they have the same type of wiring connection. Should I be worried about this? Do I need to replace them or do anything else to prevent fires? Or is this more important for outlets than switches? … Should I check my outlets in case they're the same?
Electrical – Should I replace “backstab” light switches
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Best Answer
95% of the time, backstabs fail "open" - they seem pretty good at that. That's not a fire starter, but it is an annoyance that will send you on a day-long "bug hunt" for the faulty connection.
The other 5% of the time, it will create a weak, overheating connection or a series arc fault, and yeah, that'll start a fire.
The main reason we recommend scourging them is the future annoyance of a failed "open".