[W_Mitty]

Good evening, I'm completely new to home repairs, so I'd like to make sure I don't burn down my condo: Is the wire short enough on this electrical socket? Does it matter since it's neutral?

Thank you.

 

[Jim Port]

There is a strip guide on the back of the receptacle.

I would not cut any length off the conductor. You should have at least 3" past the open face of the box.

The loops go around the screws clockwise. Yours are counterclockwise.

 

[W_Mitty]

Sorry for the, I assume, simple questions, but I want to get it right.

There is a strip guide on the back of the receptacle.

I assume the receptacle is the plug: am I correct?

I would not cut any length off the conductor. You should have at least 3" past the open face of the box.

Is the conductor the white protective covering or the copper? I assume the copper, as copper conducts electricity. There should be at least 3" inches of covered wire from the box, correct?

The loops go around the screws clockwise. Yours are counterclockwise.

Does this rule go for grounding wires too? I just replaced ten light switches, and I didn't pay attention to which way the grounding went.

I'm going to change the position of the wire, but out curiosity, why does the wire need to go in a certain direction?

Thank you for the prompt response.

 

[W_Mitty]

Another Question:

If I were to stick the wires in the back of the plug, is a tiny sliver of copper okay on the outside? I tried it with another plug, but due to extra wire in the box, the wire bends as I push it back into the box; the bend creates the sliver.

 

[Jim Port]

The receptacle is the part you are attaching to.

The conductor is the wire. It is sometimes covered in insulation. The insulation gets stripped off when making the connections. You have three, black, white, and bare.

With a clockwise loop it will pull tighter when the screw is tightened. CCW will loosen. Loose connections create heat. Heat creates fire etc.

 

[W_Mitty]

With a clockwise loop it will pull tighter when the screw is tightened. CCW will loosen. Loose connections create heat. Heat creates fire etc.

Since this is the case, is it correct to assume the direction for the grounding doesn't matter?

And thank you very much, Jim.

 

[oleguy74]

ground connects clockwise just like hot and neutral wires.the ground is protection.to trip breaker in case of a hot wire shorting to ground.

 

[Jim Port]

Yes, all the wires should be CW.

You can preform the wires into a sideways Z to help them fold into the box. As long as you strip as shown in your first pic you should be fine.

 

[jlmran]

You can preform the wires into a sideways Z to help them fold into the box.

Is a sideways Z the same as an N? Sorry...couldn't resist.

 

[Jim Port]

Is a sideways Z the same as an N? Sorry...couldn't resist.

Absolutely not, funny guy. :no: Can't you see the sideways Z is more compressible than the N?