The GFCI outlet I installed the other day could be both backwired or sidewired. Just curious on what your opinions are on which is better or the pro’s and con's of each?

Thanks - John

My own opinion, back wire is easier to install the wiring but harder to remove it plus if you are using THHN it might be kind of difficult. Solid core, no problem. I just don't care for solid core.

Side wiring is preferred. In a daisy chain of multiple outlets, it's preferred to wire nut the incoming and outgoing wires and pigtail to the outlet. Therefore if the outlet goes bad, the fault is contained to one outlet.

The backstabbed connections just have too many problems with contact resistance, especially when recepticles are backstabbed in a daisy chain. Each one contributes to the resistance of the wire and each one can be a failure for all of the outlets downstream of the fault.

Side wiring is preferred. In a daisy chain of multiple outlets, it's preferred to wire nut the incoming and outgoing wires and pigtail to the outlet. Therefore if the outlet goes bad, the fault is contained to one outlet.


Very true, but what if you are installing a GFCI and you want all the downstream outlets to be GFCI protected. Your not going to pigtail so is it still better to sidewire?

It's still better to side wire although not as critical. As you know, it's a lot more work to do it correctly. Besides getting the backstabbed wires out when it's time for replacement can be difficult.

Yes carefully bending the wire with needle nose pliers 2/3 of the way around the nut clockwise so the nut tightens it is much more difficult and time consuming then just stripping the wire and sticking it in the back and screwing it in real tight.

We are talking about backwiring, NOT backstabbing.

Backstabbing is evil and WILL cause problems down the road. This is where the wire is just stuck in the hole in the back of a device and a spring holds it in place. This method is only legal or safe with solid wire and CANNOT be done with #12 wire and 20A circuits.

Backwiring is where a screw clamp holds the wire and is a perfectly acceptable and sound method. It is used on commercial devices all the time.

For GFIs or other "spec grade" devices just use the back wire holes and don't even give it a second thought.
For regular devices use the side screws. :cool:

The problem I see with back wiring GFI's with solid wire is the holding in place as you put into box, the wire can twist even when clamped tight.
I use Stranded and it is a pain to get all the strands in that little hole.

Correct me if I am wrong but if you have a GFCI outlet then wouldn't any outlet downstream that is wired in series be protected?

Correct me if I am wrong but if you have a GFCI outlet then wouldn't any outlet downstream that is wired in series be protected?
Only if it is wired that way. They don't have to be.

Where is your location codyman144? Have you tried consulting an electrician for that?

I know how to install an outlet I don't need an electrician for that. I was just curious what others opinions were. And if you read more of my posts you will see I am in Syracuse NY.