[jamiedolan]

I need to replace a couple outlets that are wearing out, plus adding some new ones. I have a number of triplex outlets that have 1 plug switched. I really like that setup.

I found these triplex outlets:
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?item=68465&minisite=10026

But I can't tell if I can switch just one plug or not. It kind of looks like the entire outlet is going to always to hot or always be switched.

Are there any other triplex outlets on the market. The ones I currently have are ungrounded. I do like the leviton I showed the link to above, but I am concerned about the switching, and the cost. They are about $11 each, I have over 70 outlets in my home, not going to replace them all right now, but would like to eventually make them all match. I just need to replace a couple right away that don't grip plugs anymore.

Thanks
Jamie
p.s. I think today is going to my wiring day time to get out my fiber fish tape, I got a couple fun ones to do...

 

[jamiedolan]

i believe you are correct on the switching, on/off only. however, those are 20 amp outlets shown in that link, not standard 15a 'normal' and would have to be wired accordingly. also, they would not be allowed per code in kitchen or bath or wet areas, of course.

DM

I am planing to install GFCI breakers for my wet locations, so I can use standard outlets everywhere.

The 15A look to be to the same wire hook-up to me as well with these triplex outlets. So I think I am out of luck in terms of having them switched.

I of course would only put the 20A outlets on 12gage and the 15A on 14 gage.

I just picked up a Pass and Seymour Premium duplex outlet, they look nice http://www.homeandbeyond.com/prod-0091947.html I might end up using these.

Jamie
p.s. all my boxes are grounded.

 

[jamiedolan]

i believe he means the outlet has a switch somewhere to power it? however, if no ground is present ANYwhere in the home, (does this mean all of your outlets are the old two-plug type?) the only way is GFIC outlets as Darren said or keep the two prongers.

DM

The plugs are ungrounded (2 prong), every single box is properly grounded. The ground wire is bonded to the box.

Jamie

 

[jamiedolan]

since the boxes are grounded, then they must be metal. You either need to use self grounding devices or you must pigtail to the devices.

The levitons are listed as self grounding. Don't know about the others you mentioned.

are the boxes single gang boxes or 4" sq. with the appropriate plaster ring?

All single boxes, flush up to the wall.

How do I find out of a outlet is self grounding? I have a Pass & Seymour Legand Premium Sitting here I bought today. It says "Outlet; Decorator Grounding"

Jamie

 

[jamiedolan]

would a single outlet/switch combo help?

DM

My a outlet / switch combo, if that is what I am thinking of with a 1 outlet, and a 1 switch together, then that would be pretty weird for all my regular outlets to be setup like that, and I don't see why anyone would install a setup like that for there regular wall outlets.


Maybe I missed something?

Jamie

 

[jamiedolan]

My grounds are up on at least some of the outlets that are installed in my house. (too tired / lazy to go look at all of them right now) :laughing:

I am pretty sure that in the product into sheet for leviton that the grounds were up in the photos.

Do the inspectors like it one way or another, or is this just another one of those age old debates type of things that people fuss over for no good reason?

Jamie

 

[jamiedolan]

One of the attachment screws will pass through a brass clip. Like in this pic.

So would this outlet be considered ungrounded? This is an original installed kitchen outlet.

I don't see a brass clip...

Jamie

 

[jamiedolan]

You don't need a brass clip if there is a grounding pigtail attached to the outlet. :no:

Some older installations relied soley on the mounting screws without the clip. Newer codes require either the pigtail, or clip, but do not require both.

Nope they didn't pig tail the ground, I agree my photo is deceptive.

So if this were your home, would you pull this out, pig tail the ground, reattached it to the box, and attach one pigtail to the outlet? (or replace the outlet with one that has a brass clip on it)

Do only the really expensive outlets have the self ground clip? ($10+ industrial / commercial / hospital outlets?)

Jamie

 

[jamiedolan]

Well I didn't really want to, but I got a good deal on the outlets, so I am going to have to do pig tails for all my outlets.

I ordered the Pass and Seymour Legrand Premium Grounded outlets today. 70 of them. @ $2 each. I compared them to the leviton in the $2-$4 price range and felt like the P&S had a little better grip on the plug.

My local hardware store normally wants something like $4.79 each for these things.

I think the old cover plates will still fit, I will have to test it and see. I guess the new ones are cheap enough, but 70 of them. I have a couple outlets less than that, but plan to add a few in the kitchen.

Thanks
Jamie

 

[jamiedolan]

Most of your "premium" outlets are self-grounding. Look for the tab on the mounting screws before you go to the trouble of installing all those pig tails. :whistling2:

Well on the few outlets that I got that were in stock, they do not have the tab on them. I tried to look it up on the P&S web site, but it was rather cryptic. I suspect that they have 2 very similar versions of this outlet, one with the self grounding tab and one without.

I figured that it was worth the extra work to save a couple hundred bucks (70 outlets). But I may regret that statement after I install a couple dozen.

However it does sound like pig tailing the ground is really the better install method.

Jamie

 

[jamiedolan]

Jamie.,,

Trust us with the grounding pigtail .,,


That is the best methold for ground wire hook up but just keep in your mind is watch the box fill sometime it can get pain in the butt to get all back in there and also some case I did see ground wire cutted off short the point where I can't use it.

{ that happend more than once }


If you have more question just holler

BTW I am not far from your home { about 20 or so miles away from ya }

Merci,Marc

I just changed one a few hours ago, I did the pig tail on the ground wire, it wasn't really a big deal to do. It was a shallow depth box, so it was a bit more difficult to put back in, but not bad. I pig tailed the bare copper wire with a couple pieces of 12Gagae, twisted it and put a nut on it, one I ran back and bonded to the box (not on the clamp - as was seen in one of my photo, this box was fed with emt). And ran the other tail to the outlet.

I do have a question about the best way to add in some double gang boxes, but will post a new question on that.

Thanks
Jamie