[TaraM]

We have found that in the past 6 months, several of our outlets have just stopped working one at a time. They are not on the same breaker, and they appear to be stopping in no apparent order - and they don't start working again, they just die permanently. There was no occurrence that seemed to make them stop, just one day they work and the next they don't. It started with one in the garage, now we're up to six in our home. It's kind of freaking me out a bit. There are no tripped breakers, no burning or sizzling smells or anything - just a completely dead outlet one day when you go to plug something in. Two are on completely opposite sides of the house, too - so it's not even like a wire is fizzling out along the way - any ideas?

[hkstroud]

Sounds like your outlets have been wired using the "back stab methord". There are little holes in the back of outlets that can be use. Electricians love them. You just strip the wire and stick it in the little hole. They are notorious for developing bad connections after a number of years. Pull one of the outlets and see if the wires are under the screws or just stuck in the holes on the back. If not under the screws, clip the wires off close to the outlet, strip back some insulation and put under screws. The bad connection might be at the outlet that is not working or it may be at the last working outlet. Might as well go through the house and change all, including switches. Wire goes under screws the direction the screw turns to tighten.

[creahands]

Right on Harold. Sound advice.The stab holes usually problem.

Chuck

[tkrussell]

This is true:

Sounds like your outlets have been wired using the "back stab methord". There are little holes in the back of outlets that can be use. Electricians love them.

I like this type of connection because it creates many service calls.

I personally do not and never have used this type of connection, as I do not want any of my customers that I do work for have any problems, ever.

Just because you don't detect any sizziling does not mean it is not occurring someplace.

Get all of these outlets checked out soon.

[hkstroud]

Electricians love them

No offense intended TK. I guess I should have said electricains love them because they are fast, and the boss is always wanting you to get the job done faster.

[tkrussell]

HK, I took no offense at all, just making a point. I knew exactly what you meant.

[Stratmando]

Lazy and ignorant Electricians use them, A good electrician won't.
If not Decora Style, and they are
"Backstabbed", I would consider changing out, Labor is the same, will just cost you the price of the recepticles.
Were they backstabbed, or wrapped around the screw?