Pigtails on plugs?

brons2

I was told that it was no longer acceptable under code to wire connections to plugs by just hooking the romex to either side of plugs. It was said that you now must use pigtails for all plugs so that the power had a straight-through flow path. Is that correct?

joed

Only correct if you are using multiwire circuits. And then only for the neutrals.

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NJMarine

300.13(B) is for multiwire branch circuits


Below is the commentary following 300.13(B):

Grounded conductors (neutrals) of multiwire branch circuits supplying receptacles, lampholders, or other such devices are not permitted to depend on terminal connections for continuity between devices. For such installations (3- or 4-wire circuits), a splice is made and a jumper is connected to the terminal, unless the neutral is looped; that is, a receptacle or lampholder could be replaced without interrupting the continuity of energized downstream line-to-neutral loads (see commentary to 300.14). Opening the neutral could cause unbalanced voltages, and a considerably higher voltage would be impressed on one part of a multiwire branch circuit, especially if the downstream line-to-neutral loads were appreciably unbalanced. This requirement does not apply to individual 2-wire circuits or other circuits that do not contain a grounded (neutral) conductor

Missouri Bound

Regardless of wht you heard, pigtails are by far the best way to wire plugs. It makes them easier to install, and helps eliminate loose connections throughout the circuit.

joed

That's your opinion. I believe screw terminals are better than nuts. Also in Canada nuts count for box fill.

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sirsparksalot

It doesn't aid in eliminating loose circuits. In fact, each splice creates another weak point.

Big N8

Believe he is looking at the fact that the wire only makes two connections (wire nuts) that will shut down the circuit rather then four if you mount the wire to both sides of the plug.