These connections made in the back of outlets are known in the industry to be called “fast backs” ,push in or straight terminals. They are available to be used on many types of switches and receptacles. I’m not sure why they’re still permissible and manufactured like this honestly. Here we see yet another failure on these connections; as we do very often, most commonly on wall receptacles. While they are a legal installation they are potentially extremely dangerous! Connections can (and should) be made under the screw terminals. This is done by stripping the insulation as standard and wrapping the wire open end towards the tightening direction. The protective breaker in this situation did not trip while the slightest loose connection was slowly arcing; and did melt the polymer about the terminals in extreme heat. This heat easily could have started a fire. Fortunately an adjacent outlet in sequence after this stopped working making the homeowner call for an electrician service appointment. An arc fault circuit breaker can sense these types of problems, while a standard circuit breaker remains on, only noticing overheating at the breaker itself. Our policy is taking a few moments longer and installing the connections under the terminal screws. It could prevent premature failure, potential fire and extreme loss.

electrician RS