Why does my mobile home have 9 wires to every socket?

Question

The wires are Blk, Wht and copper ground (3 of each) They get all forced into an plastic outlet box that has spring type molded sheet metal inside that the wires all touch...the box says T&B type WDR 15 amp 125 volt...when you plug something into the outlet the prongs directly touch the spring metal making a direct contact to the wires in effect. I jus know its a real pain to shove nine wires into that stupid box and wonder how safe (fire) it is. The mobile home is like late '80's. I believe the light switches are the same configuration. Thx

Answer 1

I can't imagine how you could have 9 at EVERY socket, though you could have 9 at some, depends how it's wired. If there are 9 at any then there should be only 3 at some?? How many sockets in total and what colour are the wires (cores)??
(Do you mean 'SOCKET' as in 13amp outlet, or do you mean lampholder on the ceiling???)

Add to your question.

ADDED>> You didn't say that you were in the US, you would be better to ask the question on the US site. Makes my answer above irrelevant.

Answer 2

The wire colours and references to 115V suggest that you have an American wiring system.
There are some very significant differences between the way that US and UK circuits are wired up so be very careful when interpreting the Answers on this forum.

It is normal to have two of each colour at a socket in a standard ring main circuit.

If you have have three of each at one socket then what you have is possibly a standard ring main with an additional set of wires going out to a 'spur' socket.

On lighting circuits you often find an additional set of wires from each 'rose' which go down to the switch.

If you have three of each colour at every socket then, assuming that it's not a lighting circuit, I'm sorry I can't help more.

Answer 3

Power sockets should not have 9 wires at them unless it is a socket on a ring main and it has a spur ( additional socket ) fed from it.

If its a lighting circuit you may have 3 wires feeding it, and 3 carrying the circuit to the next switch and 3 to the light fitting.

IF IN DOUBT, CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN,

or email me
[e-mail]
www.awacsuk.com

Answer 4

manufactured mobile-homes do this as a time saver and tocut down on labor cost .you can replace with rough in box with clips on side that will grab hold of panel then replace switch or socket it is hard to get all wires back in place and all of them make contact

Answer 5

Because three wires go to the next socket three to the switch, three wires go to the light fitting, you are looking at a lighting circuit.

This is what is referred to as a ring main.

Answer 6

Don`t worry just don`t stick your fingers in there.