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09-27-2011, 09:14 AM
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#1
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A "Handy Husband"
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: South Carolina Low Country
Posts: 2,945
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Switch & receptacle cover screws?
In recent years all receptacle & switch terminal screws and device yoke to electrical box screws have been changed from common to Philips head. But cover plates continue to use common screws. Any reason for covers not to use Philips screws? (other than they don't make them or I have never seen them).
Lazy person that I am, I hate to switch drivers when installing a device 
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Coastal South Carolina
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09-27-2011, 09:21 AM
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#2
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I=E/R
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 2,052
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Switch & receptacle cover screws?
The way I have it figured out is that those cover screw heads are too small for a #2 Phillips so if they went to Phillips it would have to be a #1 and then being lazy, electricians would only carry a #1 and use it on both sizes of screw heads an end up stripping out the all the #2 heads on the side screws 
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09-27-2011, 09:50 AM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Easton MD
Posts: 1,827
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Switch & receptacle cover screws?
It is funny, I have often wondered this same thing. 
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09-27-2011, 10:34 AM
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#4
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Licensed electrician
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Maryland
Posts: 6,035
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Switch & receptacle cover screws?
Come on now, this is being done in an effort to cut down on beating dead horses. Having Phillips screws would just start the debate again over which way to orient the screw slots X or N-S. 
BTW, the correct way is N-S for slotted screws. Ducks and runs for cover. 
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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.
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09-27-2011, 12:02 PM
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#5
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Electrical Contractor
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Newnan GA
Posts: 5,023
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Switch & receptacle cover screws?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Port
Come on now, this is being done in an effort to cut down on beating dead horses. Having Phillips screws would just start the debate again over which way to orient the screw slots X or N-S.
BTW, the correct way is N-S for slotted screws. Ducks and runs for cover. |
I was asked why I turned my screws N-S, and I told her so the dust woould sldie out of the slot.
She said with a straight face, My house is NOT that dirty, then gave a lilttle smile.
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Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"
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09-27-2011, 02:14 PM
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#6
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A "Handy Husband"
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: South Carolina Low Country
Posts: 2,945
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Switch & receptacle cover screws?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Port
Come on now, this is being done in an effort to cut down on beating dead horses. Having Phillips screws would just start the debate again over which way to orient the screw slots X or N-S.
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The correct way is if the ground pin is up N-S, if the ground pin is down X. Orient the switch cover screws the same as the receptacle. Not sure if the receptacle is horizontal. 
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Location:
Coastal South Carolina
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09-27-2011, 06:24 PM
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#7
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Electrical Contractor
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Delmarva
Posts: 3,133
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Switch & receptacle cover screws?
I'd prefer phillips screws. That way those who are anal about aligning the slots of the cover plate screws would have to find something else to be nit-picky about. 
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-KB
Life is uncertain -- eat dessert first!!
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09-27-2011, 07:31 PM
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#8
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Licensed Electrical Cont.
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: NY State
Posts: 6,164
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Switch & receptacle cover screws?
Quote:
Originally Posted by a7ecorsair
The way I have it figured out is that those cover screw heads are too small for a #2 Phillips so if they went to Phillips it would have to be a #1 and then being lazy, electricians would only carry a #1 and use it on both sizes of screw heads an end up stripping out the all the #2 heads on the side screws |
Not at all. Some devices, like many occ sensors, come with 8-32 #2 phillips head screws. I have even seen some #2 phillips plate screws.
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09-28-2011, 03:59 AM
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#9
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paper hanger and painter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Hagerstown MD
Posts: 5,748
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Switch & receptacle cover screws?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jbfan
I was asked why I turned my screws N-S, and I told her so the dust woould sldie out of the slot.
She said with a straight face, My house is NOT that dirty, then gave a lilttle smile. |
Now, that's a good one 
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