Suggestions for quality outlets to use

[Prometheus]

I'm in the process of rewiring my garage and I'm at the point where I'm almost ready to install the new outlets (120V). I'm looking for something better/sturdier than the $0.99 specials at HD/Lowes/etc. I'm going to need ~35 of them, so I would rather not spend $6 and outlet, but I'm willing to spend a few bucks a piece to get quality ones. Any suggestions as far as brands/models? Thanks.

 

[CJ7VFR]

Look at the contractor/Pro grade receptacles. They will be the ones on the shelves above the .99 cent bin.

They sometimes have them in boxes that contain 10 or more in one pack, saving you money from buying them separately.

Jim

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Has backwire clamps

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-15...ade-Receptacle-White-R52-TCBR1-00W/205844894/

 

[Robby321]

Yep, get the good HD ones. When my shop was wired, the dude who did it put in the best, as made for frequent plugin and unplug. No prob any (20 of them)...

 

[reader2580]

Other posters have mentioned that electrical supplies are way cheaper on Ebay when you need a lot of one item.

That must be one heck of a garage to have 35 110 volt receptacles!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Has backwire clamps

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-15...ade-Receptacle-White-R52-TCBR1-00W/205844894/

Key there is "Commercial Grade" !

 

[alfredeneuman]

Has backwire clamps

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-15...ade-Receptacle-White-R52-TCBR1-00W/205844894/

They're virtually indestructible too

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Spec Grade.

 

[reader2580]

I would check out the Leviton CR15 or the CR15S if you need temper resistant. You can get the CR15 for $1.25 each shipped in quantity on Ebay. The CR15S is quite a bit more expensive as they are newer.

 

[Jdsmith]

Look for the ones that are $2-3 in HD or Lowes. They typically have a metal strap around the back and better contacts than the < $1 units. It really doesn't matter what brand, just buy one of the major brands in your target price range. "Spec grade" doesn't represent a consistent quality level across multiple brands, although anything labeled spec grade is probably fine for what you're looking for.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Slowgsr]

With multiple outlets on a single branch circuit (up to 12) check out the tab that you break out for a split circuit. Hardly considered 14awg, for guys who don't pigtail think of that resistance as you get down the line.

I install what the customer pays for and unless it's an industrial, warehouse environment. They get the cheap 20 cent ones unless they're paying extra which is never the case, if it's a job requiring a lot of labour for one or two plugs for specific uses I'll go with the best since if it's 2k for 2 outlets, and heavy use it needs to last.

 

[slodat]

I just bought a box of 50 of these for $75 shipped on eBay.

 

[Jlarson]

Hubble/Bryant or Leviton Spec grade or better.

With multiple outlets on a single branch circuit (up to 12) check out the tab that you break out for a split circuit. Hardly considered 14awg, for guys who don't pigtail think of that resistance as you get down the line.

That tab can take a lot more current then people think. And the resistance is negligible.

 

[jdieter]

Ask an Electrical Supply house for "Hospital Grade". Be sure to take you and your neighbors checkbook.

 

[wssix99]

but I'm willing to spend a few bucks a piece to get quality ones.

Why? Have you ever seen a $0.99 outlet fail? There may be a case for upgrading at your workbench where you'll be constantly plugging tools in/out, (good ideas above for that) but for the vast majority of your once-in-a-while outlets, the $0.99 outlets should be just fine.

With the $150 you'll save by only upgrading only the frequently used outlets, you could:
- Have a kegger
- Take your significant other out for a good night
- Cash the savings out for a pile of singles and take your buddies out for a good night
- Put the money in the bank (it will be worth $500,000 by the time one of your $0.99 outlets fails)

 

[Jefe]

For me just upgrading to the heavy duty or commercial spec was well worth it just for the easy of wiring with the clamps vs. the wrap around posts.
Don't forget at HD or Lowes you can buy them by the box and save a buck or two. They usually mark the "contractor pack" price on the tag.

 

[reader2580]

Why? Have you ever seen a $0.99 outlet fail? There may be a case for upgrading at your workbench where you'll be constantly plugging tools in/out, (good ideas above for that) but for the vast majority of your once-in-a-while outlets, the $0.99 outlets should be just fine.

Over 50% of the receptacles installed in 1980 in my house had little to no tension left in them. The wall receptacles in the garage are unusable since they have zero tension to hold a plug. I assume the electrician bought the cheapest receptacles. Every switch and receptacle in the house was replaced with new and I didn't use the cheapest, but not the most expensive either. I will soon replace the receptacles in the garage.

Receptacles can fail. I would rather spend the extra $150 now rather than ever worry about plugs falling out again.

 

[ER70S-2]

I just bought some Hubbell hospital grade outlets for my audio system. They clamp the power cords tighter than anything I have ever used. It's crazy how much clamping force they have. Supposedly they are designed that way to prevent life support equipment from getting inadvertently unplugged. If you're looking for tight outlets, these may be what you want.

 

[wssix99]

Over 50% of the receptacles installed in 1980 in my house had little to no tension left in them.

Do you know what brand they were? Most of the big box outlets I've seen are Levition, which I haven't known to have such issues.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Ask an Electrical Supply house for "Hospital Grade". Be sure to take you and your neighbors checkbook.

While Hospital grade outlets have higher tension for plug contacts, the majority of us cant afford them nor really need them! Also, keep in mind, some hospital grade receptacles are not self grounding and means a bonding jumper needs to be used if metal boxes and raceway feeds the outlet.

 

[slodat]

The ones I showed above were $1.50/ea in a box of $50 = $75 total shipped. We use them at work in an industrial environment.

 

[reader2580]

Do you know what brand they were? Most of the big box outlets I've seen are Levition, which I haven't known to have such issues.

No idea what brand. They all got thrown away. They were so bad I didn't want to donate them to the Restore. Maybe I'll see what brand is in the garage that also has no tension.

 

[ER70S-2]

While Hospital grade outlets have higher tension for plug contacts, the majority of us cant afford them nor really need them! Also, keep in mind, some hospital grade receptacles are not self grounding and means a bonding jumper needs to be used if metal boxes and raceway feeds the outlet.

At least it's easy to tell which ones are isolated ground receptacles. They have a big triangle on the face of them.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

At least it's easy to tell which ones are isolated ground receptacles. They have a big triangle on the face of them.

True but the average DIYer has no clue about this. Heck, even some electricians dont even understand how to properly wire isolated grounding receptacles. Its unbelievable the number of incorrect ISOG installations i found when i use to inspect the electrical systems @ McDonald's restaurants!