Hi:
I am about to install two new 120 V AC receptacles on the same circuit
in my cabin. Have boat cable 12-3 awg B-W-G for a 15 amp circuit and
will use 10-12 captive spade connectors to attach to receptacle. Here
is my question.

Is it Kosher to pigtail the AC receptacle to the circuit using 10-12
butt connectors or those pigtail crimp on connectors? Or does ABYC
require a strip terminal/block or some other devious method? Ugg.

I wont do what residential electricians do using the receptacle to
"pass through" the circuit.
Suggestions?
Bob

being a residential wiring guy, I'm not crazy about crimps in a 120V
system. I'd rather use solder, or wire nuts. I also like to go to the
screws rather than use those push in style connectors. Also, pigtails
are better than running the power through an outlet, because if one of
them craps out, you still have the other one functioning. minor
details I suppose. Another thing is that technically, if you are using
a 15 amp breaker, you can use 12 guage wire, but 14 will also do for
that application. 12 is rated for 20 amps.

Luc

On 1 Mar 2006 14:31:22 -0800, "luc" wrote:

being a residential wiring guy, I'm not crazy about crimps in a 120V
system.

I would hope not. A crimp connector is only used on stranded wire and
not solid wire. A crimp needs to be used on stranded wire.

I'd rather use solder, or wire nuts.

Wire nuts fine in homes, solder never! No wire nuts on a boat either!

I also like to go to the
screws rather than use those push in style connectors.

The push in style outlets should be outlawed. Worst thing to ever be
put in a home.
But I think that the OP was refering to the type of outlet with a hole
where the wire is inserted and it gets clamped as you tighten the
screw. Those work fine.

Also, pigtails are better than running the power through an outlet, because if one of
them craps out, you still have the other one functioning.

I hear this often but it doesn't make much sense although I think the
NEC does require pigtails in commercial buildings.
There is not much to fail in an outlet. The connection to the next
outlet is external to the outlet in the form of a jumper bar between
wiring terminals. Unless someone deliberately breaks them off there is
not much probability for the next outlet to fail even if the first
ones inside contacts do fail.

minor
details I suppose. Another thing is that technically, if you are using
a 15 amp breaker, you can use 12 guage wire, but 14 will also do for
that application. 12 is rated for 20 amps.

Luc

luc wrote:
being a residential wiring guy, I'm not crazy about crimps in a 120V
system. I'd rather use solder, or wire nuts. I also like to go to the
screws rather than use those push in style connectors. Also, pigtails
are better than running the power through an outlet, because if one of
them craps out, you still have the other one functioning. minor
details I suppose. Another thing is that technically, if you are using
a 15 amp breaker, you can use 12 guage wire, but 14 will also do for
that application. 12 is rated for 20 amps.

Luc

Wire nuts are OK in houses, they don't vibrate. Boats do. Never use wire
nuts for boat wiring.
krj

Hello Gary. Good to see you back.

What the NEC actually requires is that the grounding connection be done
through pigtails. The reason, I guess, is that if the receptacle (or
whatever) is removed, the continuity of the grounding circuit is not
interrupted.

Chuck



Also, pigtails are better than running the power through an outlet, because if one of
them craps out, you still have the other one functioning.


I hear this often but it doesn't make much sense although I think the
NEC does require pigtails in commercial buildings.
There is not much to fail in an outlet. The connection to the next
outlet is external to the outlet in the form of a jumper bar between
wiring terminals. Unless someone deliberately breaks them off there is
not much probability for the next outlet to fail even if the first
ones inside contacts do fail.

On 1 Mar 2006 11:07:42 -0800, "Bob" wrote:

I wont do what residential electricians do using the receptacle to
"pass through" the circuit.

Why not? I see no issue with it if you are using crimp on ring
terminals.

Wayne.B wrote:
On 1 Mar 2006 11:07:42 -0800, "Bob" wrote:

I wont do what residential electricians do using the receptacle to
"pass through" the circuit.

Why not? I see no issue with it if you are using crimp on ring
terminals.

Hi Wayne B:
Good question.......... not sure why. I guess I just engaged my mouth
(fingers?) before thinking.
I was a bit spooked by a few of the suggestions so far: wire nuts,
push-in connection with stranded wire?!?!

So sounds as though a good spec 15 amp receptacle using crimp-on
terminals and pass through to connect. Plus pigtailing the earth sounds
like a great idea. Makes sense. Thank you. Next time I'll put a bit
more think time in my post before I start typing. Thanks for getting me
back on track.
Bob

"Bob" wrote in news:1141240062.361884.274120
@v46g2000cwv.googlegroups.com:

I wont do what residential electricians do using the receptacle to
"pass through" the circuit.
Suggestions?


I find all this professionalism amusing, considering the fireproof wooden
box the boat uses, instead of a proper NEMA breaker box, for the AC power
central point....(c;

Don'tcha just love those crappy little boat breakers they all use?

AS to the outlets, let's use outlets with brass screw terminals on them to
hold the wires tight beating in the waves, not some cheap push-in outlets
with the bent metal strip inside used in your $900,000 custom-made home
ashore. The wires are MUCH better and safer passing through fixed screw
terminals than the damned butt splices flopping around in the waves,
unsupported by anything.

Matter of fact, let's shock the hell out of the next guy who opens the
outlet and use RING, not spade, terminals on all the wires hooked to the
screws. We're not electricians under the gun to do 40 outlets every 8
hours, like the guys who wired your mansion, you know.

The ring terminals are better because they won't try to unscrew the screw
like wires wrapped around them always do. It's a vibration thing, ya know.

Ring terminals on an AC outlet....What the hell is the world coming to?!

"Bob" wrote in news:1141502729.157930.50020
@t39g2000cwt.googlegroups.com:

What's you opinion of a 20 amp "hospital" grade receptacle?

First class stuff. Should be for the price they get. But, it's still
20A....plenty for appliances. They're very rugged, hospital plugs and
receptacles.