Question about Outlets and terminals/push-in(real question, not a troll)

[ballvalve]

To the guy that says heat will loosen the screw clamp connections, I would ask hiim to have a look at his main panel before making such comments. All those wires must be wiggling around!

When we see PUSH IN connections on breakers and neutral bars, I'll be the first to use them.

comparing a STAB, clamp, double sided connection to a bus bar or a meter terminal to chinese push in outlets is absurd.

The ONLY advantage one might mention is if the electrician is mildly forgetful and neglects to turn the clamp screw at all. If you are a dopey electrician, by all means STAB dont SCREW!

[Thatguy]

heat will loosen the screw clamp connections

Temperature changes will probably loosen machine screws unless precautions are taken, like using a close fit.
http://www.sizes.com/tools/thread_screw.htm

[ballvalve]

It seems that main panels and breakers use screws with threads a bit "tight" or a slight interference fit. Back stab screw terminals have a bit of angular offset which gives flex, as well as [typically] serrations on the tab.

Always the issue is that copper and aluminum are soft and re-torquing should be done.

[alternety]

Just an extra 2 cents as I have had problems with push-in units. Perhaps there is a bit more sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances/errors/materials variance in the push-ins.

[jetlag]

Is it allowable to use BOTH screw and push-in's on the same receptical?

My situation is this, I have 3x 14/2 romex running into a 12.5ci (2"x3"x2.5") box.
the Ontario electrical code allows 6 conductors and 0 or 1 marret in that size of box.

If I can use both screw terminals and 1 push in I would need no marrets, but if I can't I will have to try and find a 2x3x3 box.


I personally use marrets and pigtails normally when connecting outlets, but because this box is a little small it has raised this issue

You are already over the box allowance , the 3 14/2 are 6 conductors but you must count one for all the bare grounds that makes 7 , then you must count 2 for the recep or switch , that makes 9 times 2.0 cu in per each #14 , that equals 18 cu in box . The conductor allowance stamped in the box must say 9 or more #14 to use it . As far as the attach the way you said it is allowed but very hard to push in the box , best to use pigtails and you dont have to count the wire nuts for box fill .