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Difference Between Back Wiring, Side Wiring & Push-in Wiring

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Difference Between Back Wiring, Side Wiring, Push-in Backstab Wiring & Lever Edge Wiring

When terminating devices such as switches, receptacles, outlets, dimmers, and similar wiring accessories, there are several acceptable wiring methods. Each termination method has specific advantages and limitations depending on the application, load requirements, installation environment, and long-term maintenance considerations.

In following wiring article, we will discuss and differentiate the most common device termination methods, such as:

Back wiring (clamp-type or side-clamp wiring)
Push-in backstab (spring-type termination, commonly used in Quickwire^TM devices)
Side wiring (screw terminal connection)
Modern push-in lever wiring (e.g., Lever Edge^TM devices based on WAGO-style lever nut mechanisms)

Table of Contents

What is a Back Wiring?

Back wiring (also known as clamp-type or side-clamp wiring) is a termination method where the conductor is inserted into a terminal located at the back of the device and secured by tightening a screw that clamps the wire internally.

In Back wiring method, electrical wires are connected to outlets or switches by inserting a straight, stripped wire into a hole on the back of the device and tightening a side screw to clamp it securely with a metal plate.

A metal plate moves up and down inside the device as you turn the terminal screw on the side, which clamping the wire securely.

There are two common methods used as back wiring:

Screw-clamp Back Wire: It is a preferred professional method where a side screw tightens a pressure plate that clamps the wire.
Backstab (Spring Type): Wire is pushed into a hole and held by an internal spring, such as Quickwire^TM by Leviton. (don’t confuse with push-in wiring (lever-edge) as they are mechanically different).

To do back wiring termination, strip insulation to specified length and insert conductor straight into back terminal. Tighten terminal screw (for clamp type) OR push until spring engages (for backstab type).

This method is preferred by many electricians for reliability and speed and commonly used in residential and commercial applications for general receptacles and switches.

Advantages

Cleaner installation (no wire loops around screws).
Faster than traditional side wiring.
Provides strong mechanical and electrical connection (clamp type).
More secure than backstab when using screw-clamp design.
Good for higher loads when clamp type is used.

Good to Know: Backstabbing (push-in termination) is generally considered inferior and potentially unreliable, whereas back wiring (clamp-type termination) is regarded as a more secure and reliable alternative.

What is a Side Wiring?

Side wiring is the traditional termination method where the stripped conductor is bent into a hook and wrapped clockwise around a terminal screw on the side of the device.

In side wiring, electrical wires are connected to devices like outlets or switches by looping a stripped wire clockwise around a side-mounted terminal screw and tightening it. It is a secure and preferred method with high-contact, and durable connection for safety and reliability over push-in (backstab) methods.

To do side wiring termination, strip insulation from the conductor as per requirement. Form a clockwise loop, shaped into a “J” or shepherd’s hook using pliers and rap around terminal screw. Tighten screw to the specified torque range to secure. Make sure the insulation does not get under the screw head.

Similar to back wiring, side wiring are used in standard residential installations, repairs and retrofits. They are especially used in situations requiring visible confirmation of connection quality.

Advantages

Very reliable when properly installed.
Strong mechanical bond.
Widely accepted and code-compliant everywhere.
Easy to inspect visually.
Works with both solid and stranded wire.

Warning: Side wiring requires proper looping technique, takes more time and can loosen if not torqued correctly.

What is a Push-in Wiring?

Push-in wiring (Lever Edge^TM by Leviton) is an innovative termination mechanism designed for faster, safer and easy installation of switches and outlets using color-coded lever terminals instead of screws.

The termination method for lever edge switches and receptacles are inspired by the modern connectors (like WAGO known as lever nut) which used spring action clamp for termination.

They feature a push-in, snap-down mechanism for copper wiring, providing an audible click for secure connections without exposed metal parts.

Lever Edge devices use a spring-action clamp mechanism that works with 14AWG (for 15A) or 12AWG (for 20A) solid and stranded copper wire.

These user-friendly receptacles and switches can be installed in seconds as they feature color-coded levers (hot, neutral, ground) which are easily identified.

They are UL & CSA approved and compatible with NEC. Hence, they can be confidently used for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Advantages

Extremely fast installation, save time which reduces the labor cost.
No screw required.
Strong and secure wiring connections.
UL / CSA listed and compliant with NEC.
Reusable i.e. they can be removed and rewired again.
Works with both solid and stranded wire for 15A and 20A circuits.

Good to Know: The Lever Edge^TM (by Leviton) design uses spring action clamp mechanism and should not be confused with back-wire clamp or Quickwire^TM (by Leviton) push-in (backstab) terminations.

Resources:

General Outlets and GFCI/AFCI Receptacles Wiring

Standard Breakers & GFCI Breakers Wiring Installations

Main Panels Wiring Tutorials

Difference Between Back Wiring, Side Wiring & Push-in Wiring