Replacing outlet with 5 wires

PokerMunkee · 09-12-2010, 02:30 PM

I am trying to replace an old ugly electrical outlet. This outlet has 8 quickwire holes. I can't find any new outlets that have 8 holes. They all have 4. I believe this outlet is feeding an outside light that is on the other side of the wall (switch is above the outlet).

Here is a picture of the existing switch:
There are two whites, two blacks, and one red.

I have a new oultet with the 4 quickwire holes and 4 screws. How do I get this to work with the new outlet?

Do i just put the two white and blacks in the 4 quick connect holes, and put the red wire onto the hot screw?

Thanks

darren · 09-12-2010, 02:54 PM

DO NOT use the quick connects, they are famous for failing and then you may have bigger problems on your hand.

Take the wires from the plug and make a pigail on them and then take only one wire to the plug and go around the screw.

wirenut1110 · 09-12-2010, 03:19 PM

It appears this receptacle may be half switched (half the receptacle is hot all the time and the other half is switch controlled) . If so, you'll need to break the tab between the 2 gold screws.

darren · 09-12-2010, 04:07 PM

Good eye wire nut, i never even noticed that in the picture until i looked again.

frenchelectrican · 09-12-2010, 07:24 PM

The only replacement receptales I have see it before is Hubbel commercal / spec grade recepectales that have 8 holes but they are backwired with screw { not backstabbed type }

As long the box is not crowed you can make a pigtail for black conductors ditto with white conductors as well if you want to.

Before you do that make sure you break the tab on brass side only not the silver side leave that part alone.

Merci.
Marc

09-12-2010, 02:30 PM	#1
PokerMunkee Newbie Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4	Replacing outlet with 5 wires I am trying to replace an old ugly electrical outlet. This outlet has 8 quickwire holes. I can't find any new outlets that have 8 holes. They all have 4. I believe this outlet is feeding an outside light that is on the other side of the wall (switch is above the outlet). Here is a picture of the existing switch: There are two whites, two blacks, and one red. I have a new oultet with the 4 quickwire holes and 4 screws. How do I get this to work with the new outlet? Do i just put the two white and blacks in the 4 quick connect holes, and put the red wire onto the hot screw? Thanks Last edited by PokerMunkee; 09-12-2010 at 02:39 PM.

09-12-2010, 02:54 PM	#2
darren Electrician Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 1,085	Replacing outlet with 5 wires DO NOT use the quick connects, they are famous for failing and then you may have bigger problems on your hand. Take the wires from the plug and make a pigail on them and then take only one wire to the plug and go around the screw.

09-12-2010, 03:19 PM	#3
wirenut1110 Electrical Contractor Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chester, VA. Posts: 789	Replacing outlet with 5 wires It appears this receptacle may be half switched (half the receptacle is hot all the time and the other half is switch controlled) . If so, you'll need to break the tab between the 2 gold screws. Attached Images

09-12-2010, 04:07 PM	#4
darren Electrician Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 1,085	Replacing outlet with 5 wires Good eye wire nut, i never even noticed that in the picture until i looked again.

09-12-2010, 07:24 PM	#5
frenchelectrican " Euro " electrician Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: WI & France { in France for now } Posts: 5,100	Replacing outlet with 5 wires The only replacement receptales I have see it before is Hubbel commercal / spec grade recepectales that have 8 holes but they are backwired with screw { not backstabbed type } As long the box is not crowed you can make a pigtail for black conductors ditto with white conductors as well if you want to. Before you do that make sure you break the tab on brass side only not the silver side leave that part alone. Merci. Marc

Replacing outlet with 5 wires