What it is: Wires are pushed into the spring-clip back-stab holes of receptacles rather than secured under the screws.
Why it matters
Back-stab connections loosen over time and are a common source of arcing and intermittent power.
Why it's common in Bloomington
Builder-grade receptacles in many Bloomington split-levels were originally back-stabbed during construction.
Signs to watch for
- intermittent dead outlets
- flickering when plugs are jostled
- warm or discolored outlets
What we check during the inspection
The inspector notes outlets showing heat or intermittent behavior and recommends evaluation of connections.
How it's typically corrected
An electrician moves the conductors to the side screw terminals for a secure connection.
Concerned about backstabbed receptacles in a home you're buying or selling? Get a free instant quote and we'll evaluate it as part of a full inspection.