get one with 2 terminals
2007-11-25 08:45:22 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I think we are going to need more info.
2007-11-25 08:51:42 · answer #1 · answered by sparky8786 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The extra terminals allow you some flexibilty in how the new outlet can be used....
There is usually a small 'bar' that runs across the terminals on the same side... for example, a bar between the two black terminals, and one on the other side, running between the two white terminals.
Leave that bar intact, and you can use that second pair of terminals to run an additional circuit from that outlet, without bunching up all the wires together.
Take the bar out... and now youve got two independent outlets, the upper and lower. You can actually run a switch to one, and use it as a 'lamp' outlet. Turning the switch off to that half of the outlet will not affect the other half... it stays on all the time. So you could have one lamp, and one clock, or tv, or whatever.
I would suggest that you use the terminal screws... not the inserts. While the inserts are faster if you do this all the time, they are notorious for coming loose at a later time. I always use the terminal screws.
Since you are simply replacing an old outlet, I would run the black wire to the black terminal (top or bottom, doesnt matter which, as long as that bar between them is intact)... and the white wire to the matching white terminal... if you used the top screw for the black, use the top screw for the white. Be consistent. And of course the ground wire to the green screw. While most terminal screws are 'colored' (could be black, or brass, for the black wire, and silver for the white wire)... it will state on the back of the outlet which is for black and which is for white. It will also have a suggestion on how much wire you should bare (remove the insulation from) to use in the terminal.
And of course, the power should be off to the circuit before working on it, hehehe.
Have Fun
2007-11-25 19:04:57 · answer #2 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bert's right.
You just have two extra terminals, but they are connected on each side. On a given side, it makes no difference which of the two you use.
You may also see four holes on back, near the screws ( bolts, really). You have the option, in that case, of just sticking the bare wire in the holes. It grabs like a "Mexican handcuff".
Cut the wire back to the insulation, and then remove the insulation about 3/8th inch. There is probably a pattern imprinted on the back to show you how long this should be. Then just insert the wire. It won't come out, so be sure you got the right one on the right side!
2007-11-25 18:08:33 · answer #3 · answered by seeitmiway32 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean a receptacle outlet? 120 volt, 15 or 20 amp straight blade standard type receptacle? By terminals do you mean the screws for attaching the wiring? In the USA or somewhere else? Those of us who know about electricity won't give you an answer when we don't know what you are talking about. That would be foolish and dangerous. Be careful about taking electrical advice from those who don't have a clue.
2007-11-25 21:11:22 · answer #4 · answered by John himself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The new one will work. Just screw the black wire to one of the brass screws and the white wire to one of the silver screws. Screw the ground wire (plain copper) to the green screw.
Bert
2007-11-25 16:57:44 · answer #5 · answered by Bert C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
bert c is correct but didn't explain enough, hook the black to one side and the white to the opposite side not both on one side, will cause a short and trip the circuit breaker or a fuse
2007-11-25 18:11:39 · answer #6 · answered by APF 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋