AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Critic's Circle (Equipment Reviews) => Reviews of Accessories => Topic started by: witchdoctor on 1 Sep 2017, 12:55 pm
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I installed a $70 "Ultra Minimalist AC Outlet" by Mapleshade and plugged in my HT system. It was the best bang for the buck upgrade ever. It transformed the sound to make everything clearer and closer to sounding "live" both in music and movies. Mapleshade offers a 30 day return if you want to try. It took 10 minutes to install and about 2 days to break in. It sounds like I upgraded to a new $$$ DAC or processor. Highly recommended.
http://shop.mapleshadestore.com/Ultra-Minimalist-AC-Outlets/products/259/
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I've done some outlet swapping in the past but this, er, is a little problematic. I think you should make clear how risky this is. It's not just a ten minutes and done.
I will recommend the Hammond 193l or m choke plugged into wall as a must do tweak instead.
As someone who occasionally plays it fast and loose with mains diy, the mapleshade needs serious caution.
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I replaced my Furutech outlets with the Mapleshade and got an improvement in SQ and with the maple covers an upgrade in aesthetics.
Don't understand the need for caution, turn off breaker replace outlet turn breaker back on?
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What I like bout the product is that it is returnable. Money back if you do not like it. Brilliant!!
charles
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I've done some outlet swapping in the past but this, er, is a little problematic. I think you should make clear how risky this is. It's not just a ten minutes and done.
I will recommend the Hammond 193l or m choke plugged into wall as a must do tweak instead.
As someone who occasionally plays it fast and loose with mains diy, the mapleshade needs serious caution.
I suppose you could hire someone to install it if needed. Even after the added expense it would still be worth it IMO. If I had to go back to my old wall socket after hearing this one I would be miserable.
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errrr, If your going this route, why not just take off your cable plug and connect your bare wires to the bare romex and solder and cap or twist and cap?
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'UL' sticker for this use?
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I would go with a top shelf dual receptacle from a major industrial manufacture like Hubble.
Note that hospital grade might be easier to source these days.
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I would go with a top shelf dual receptacle from a major industrial manufacture like Hubble [Hubbell].
But they aren't made of a far better sounding polymer than high-loss, glass-filled nylon or mounted in an Ambrosian maple faceplate that eliminates the high dielectric absorption losses of plastic faceplates.
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Too bad there is no image from the outlet back side;
(http://shop.mapleshadestore.com/images/ACoutlet-IM.jpg)
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Too bad there is no image from the outlet back side
There is a backside photo of the Quad version:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167874)
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Thanks, very useful to campare price vs quality.
I think $140 is too much for this quality, $40/50 would be OK for this quad outlets imo.
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I suppose you could hire someone to install it if needed. Even after the added expense it would still be worth it IMO. If I had to go back to my old wall socket after hearing this one I would be miserable.
For the unitiated that would be a very good idea. I just think the installation process for these as outlined by Mapleshade is a little too cavalier, even for a reckless audiophile like me. The lack of a UL should be mentioned and the relevant cautions of insurance liability if something goes horribly wrong, etc. etc. The typical audiophile outlets at least are functionally similar to regular outlets, but these... Anyway, whatever. The overall premise is interesting and probably effective.
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I'm guessing they don't manufacture the actual receptacles, but source them from an electrical manufacturer and mount them in the Amish-crafted maple faceplates.
I can't tell if it's a Leviton 1374-1 (http://www.leviton.com/en/products/1374-1) or not which is molded from thermoplastic (polymer) but doesn't list contact specifications.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167879)
The receptacle itself is UL Listed but I'm not sure about the mounting in the faceplate. Most chassis mount receptacles are designed for a particular range of panel thickness (in the case of the Leviton 1374-1, .031" - .080"), so I'm curious if they are glued into the faceplate or whether the retaining clips actually accommodate the thickness of the wooden faceplate (looking at the photo it doesn't look like it).
Steve
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Looks safe enough to me. Mapleshade people are not fools. Why would they sell an outlet that would open up liability to them. Just makes no sense.
Get a Hubble UL approved if you like but they sound like crap to me.
charles
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For the unitiated that would be a very good idea. I just think the installation process for these as outlined by Mapleshade is a little too cavalier, even for a reckless audiophile like me. The lack of a UL should be mentioned and the relevant cautions of insurance liability if something goes horribly wrong, etc. etc. The typical audiophile outlets at least are functionally similar to regular outlets, but these... Anyway, whatever. The overall premise is interesting and probably effective.
I tend to agree ! I just have 5 PS audio classic outlets solidly built, for $ 200.00 from PS audio website turned off electrical breaker switch, cleaned the wiring contacts and installed them ! Had my next door neighbor, who is an incredible electrician (worked for Lawrence livermore Labs for 23 years before retiring) checked the wiring right through the Attic and made it practically a dedicated line, he changed the breaker and of course I have solar panels with a very clean inverter giving me clean energy for my main system, and the whole house would I go for those maplewood outlets ? I think it would be a bit risky for the equipment itself. So I how does my system sound well I am just happy :D
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Looks safe enough to me. Mapleshade people are not fools. Why would they sell an outlet that would open up liability to them. Just makes no sense.
Get a Hubble UL approved if you like but they sound like crap to me.
charles
My bad. I remember a time when these audiophile outlets were usually discussed more thoroughly in terms of risk. Maybe times have changed. Somebody wants to go for it, more power to them. Don't bother me none.
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There is a backside photo of the Quad version:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167874)
looking at those pictures reminds me of the outlets used in 3rd world Countries ! don't think I want to use it in my house could be a fire hazard !
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'UL' sticker for this use?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I would go with a top shelf dual receptacle from a major industrial manufacture like Hubble.
Note that hospital grade might be easier to source these days.
What does "UL" mean? significance for audio?
Also, I didnt see anyone mention use of an isolator or conditioner in the line up, running from the wall receptacle.
i would be curious of the SQ difference from the Mapleshade the wall plate for those using additional electrical cleaning units. e.g., I use a RGPC Pole Pig
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There is a backside photo of the Quad version:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167874)
I would not install in my house either, looks antique!
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What does "UL" mean? significance for audio?
UL is Underwriters Laboratories, one of several widely recognized independent product safety testing and certification organizations.
Safety certification is voluntary (and costs $$$), but many institutions, vendors and manufacturers will only purchase safety certified products and components to reduce their liability.
There is no significance for audio quality.
Steve
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I am really surprised at falling for total snakeoil on the part of witchdoctor.
The outlets pictured are total crap.
But if it is a joke, like "April Fools".. no problem.(maybe he is 'testing' what fools will say?)
Seriously either witchdoctor got hit in the head with a brick HARD, or is high on LSD.. Then the post might make sense.
As it is, he clearly has jumped off the deep end of an empty pool.
Mapleshade sells some of the worst POS for AC I have ever seen. But there are fools who will buy them.
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I use a few cryo Hubbell HBL 5262. This is the one I have. Talks about the plating and stuff:
https://www.takefiveaudio.com/products/1491-hubbell-5262w-heavy-duty-grade-outlet-white-cryo-treated/
It made the sound more relaxing over the stock ones that came from the house. Then I got the Torus which uses custom extra heavy duty medical Hubbell. I haven't found any problem with the sound on either of them.
I'd stick with a reputable company like Leviton, Pass & Seymour, or Hubbell. Everything should be done by the books when dealing with electricity.
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I'd stick with a reputable company like Leviton, Pass & Seymour, or Hubbell. Everything should be done by the books when dealing with electricity.
Avoid ALL Leviton... They are really cheap junk.
Heavy duty Pass & Seymour or Hubbell.. Way to go for stock duplex.
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What does "UL" mean? significance for audio?
Also, I didnt see anyone mention use of an isolator or conditioner in the line up, running from the wall receptacle.
i would be curious of the SQ difference from the Mapleshade the wall plate for those using additional electrical cleaning units. e.g., I use a RGPC Pole Pig
I use a Monster HTPS 7000 PLC, their top of the line, retails for about $1000 new when I bought it many years ago. I plugged the PLC into the wall outlet and was off to the races. If I were to do it over again I would get the outlet first and them a Mapleshade PLC, I am sure it has more synergy with the outlet and it is cheaper than the Monster unit I own.
I use Virtual Dynamics Nite power cables, about $1000 each when they were new many years ago, now about $400 second hand if you can find them. Again if I were doing it again today I would just get the Mapleshade cords (also cheaper).
IMO I would never get after market PLC or power cords without changing the outlet first, it would just seem a waste to plug high end PLC into standard wall socket.
I am going to get another outlet to use with my projector, can't wait. :D
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I am really surprised at falling for total snakeoil on the part of witchdoctor.
The outlets pictured are total crap.
But if it is a joke, like "April Fools".. no problem.(maybe he is 'testing' what fools will say?)
Seriously either witchdoctor got hit in the head with a brick HARD, or is high on LSD.. Then the post might make sense.
As it is, he clearly has jumped off the deep end of an empty pool.
Mapleshade sells some of the worst POS for AC I have ever seen. But there are fools who will buy them.
If you don't like Mapleshade send it back for a refund, no LSD or pool jumping required. Good luck with your 12 step program for anger management.
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Avoid ALL Leviton... They are really cheap junk.
Heavy duty Pass & Seymour or Hubbell.. Way to go for stock duplex.
I didn't know that about Leviton. Don't have experience with that.
All that's used at the server company is the Hubbell and Pass & Seymour extra heavy duty stuff. Thousands of those yellow plugs along with Tripp Lite gear. Roll our own cables.
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... It transformed the sound to make everything clearer and closer to sounding "live" both in music and movies. ...
A Mapleshade 'Minimalist' outlet did all that? :o
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A Mapleshade 'Minimalist' outlet did all that? :o
Yes, that's why I started this thread. It wasn't subtle, it was much better. :thumb:
FYI
http://mapleshadestore.com/ownersmanuals/ownersmanual_acoutlet.pdf
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I am really surprised at falling for total snakeoil on the part of witchdoctor.
The outlets pictured are total crap.
But if it is a joke, like "April Fools".. no problem.(maybe he is 'testing' what fools will say?)
Seriously either witchdoctor got hit in the head with a brick HARD, or is high on LSD.. Then the post might make sense.
As it is, he clearly has jumped off the deep end of an empty pool.
Mapleshade sells some of the worst POS for AC I have ever seen. But there are fools who will buy them.
What does being high on LSD have to do with this? Have you ever tried LSD ?
I have and it wouldn't have any effect on this. That's just part of the "Tricky Dick" mentality. And a false cliche.
Most of the drugs in your medicine cabinet are far more dangerous and abused much more.
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I just think the installation process for these as outlined by Mapleshade is a little too cavalier, even for a reckless audiophile like me. The lack of a UL should be mentioned and the relevant cautions of insurance liability if something goes horribly wrong, etc. etc. The typical audiophile outlets at least are functionally similar to regular outlets, but these... Anyway, whatever. The overall premise is interesting and probably effective.
Seriously, the insurance liability part should be an immediate warning flag for everyone. I am also quite positive that putting a wooden plate over a potential source of electrical fire is a recipe for bad juju.
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Yes, that's why I started this thread. It wasn't subtle, it was much better. :thumb:
FYI
http://mapleshadestore.com/ownersmanuals/ownersmanual_acoutlet.pdf
Was that for stereo or immersive audio listening?
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Was that for stereo or immersive audio listening?
Both, I tried all of the modes on my Marantz 7702, Pure Direct for stereo, DTS Neo X, Atmos, and Auro 3D. I never used to like DTS Neo X for music but after the new wall socket it sounds so much better I actually prefer it for certain recordings. That was a surprise.
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What does being high on LSD have to do with this? Have you ever tried LSD ?
I have and it wouldn't have any effect on this. That's just part of the "Tricky Dick" mentality. And a false cliche.
Most of the drugs in your medicine cabinet are far more dangerous and abused much more.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=167944)
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The best way to check and see if the outlet gizmo really did actually make any difference is to put back the stock one. And re-compare.
The differences you hear may only be the cleaning effect of taking off and putting back on the AC wire in the wall. plus unplugging everything. (also new contects INSIDE the duplex. (how OLD was the old duplex?)
So, even a $2.99 heavy duty duplex replacement might have given you the same improvement.
From my own experience I had a "Hospital' outlet, which I thought at first was good. later I noticed my system sounded dull.
I took it out and put a Pass & Seymour outlet. The P&S was far better than the other one.
So, yes I can note the changes in an outlet.
But for the changes you describe, I would think something was seriously wrong with the old outlet/connections.
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Seriously, the insurance liability part should be an immediate warning flag for everyone. I am also quite positive that putting a wooden plate over a potential source of electrical fire is a recipe for bad juju.
Seriously, seriously. Half the members of this forum use homebuilt diy equipment like tube amplifiers, or cheap Chinese tube amplifiers bought direct from China, or "modded" equipment by guys named Joe in a garage somewhere, none of which have UL or CE certification. It's an outlet with what appears to be appropriate sized wire. If you're using 200 watt Class A mono block amps that need a dedicated 20 amp circuit each, avoid this product.
If you call and talk to the Mapleshade people about their "minimalist" philosophy, things may make more sense.....or not. If you get the opportunity to audition their demonstration system in West Virginia, you might be surprised by what they achieve.
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The best way to check and see if the outlet gizmo really did actually make any difference is to put back the stock one. And re-compare.
The differences you hear may only be the cleaning effect of taking off and putting back on the AC wire in the wall. plus unplugging everything. (also new contects INSIDE the duplex. (how OLD was the old duplex?)
So, even a $2.99 heavy duty duplex replacement might have given you the same improvement.
From my own experience I had a "Hospital' outlet, which I thought at first was good. later I noticed my system sounded dull.
I took it out and put a Pass & Seymour outlet. The P&S was far better than the other one.
So, yes I can note the changes in an outlet.
But for the changes you describe, I would think something was seriously wrong with the old outlet/connections.
I agree that there are many variables but for $70 it is well worth a personal 30 day audition IMO. I regret not installing one years ago :oops:
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or b) even better, get rid of the in-wall box (metal or plastic) entirely. If you undertake b), you will need to provide some kind of wood mounting strips for the faceplate screws
That's from mapleshades installation instructions.
Seriously? That can't be code - no junction box, just romex straight to the outlet?
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2) Our Amish-made Ambrosian maple faceplate eliminates the high dielectric absorption losses of plastic faceplates, as well as the high eddy current losses of metal ones
To paraphrase the simpsons, "if anyone knows about electricity, its the Amish"
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Seriously, the insurance liability part should be an immediate warning flag for everyone. I am also quite positive that putting a wooden plate over a potential source of electrical fire is a recipe for bad juju.
+1, the wooden plate is the issue imo.
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To paraphrase the simpsons, "if anyone knows about electricity, its the Amish"
That is too funny. Amish here uses none. Maybe they hand file away the holes?
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+1, the wooden plate is the issue imo.
Are you sure about that?
http://www.homedepot.com/b/Electrical-Wall-Plates-Jacks-Wall-Plates-Outlet-Wall-Plates/Wood/N-5yc1vZc6r0Z1z0vaah
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Seriously, seriously. Half the members of this forum use homebuilt diy equipment like tube amplifiers, or cheap Chinese tube amplifiers bought direct from China, or "modded" equipment by guys named Joe in a garage somewhere, none of which have UL or CE certification. It's an outlet with what appears to be appropriate sized wire. If you're using 200 watt Class A mono block amps that need a dedicated 20 amp circuit each, avoid this product.
If you call and talk to the Mapleshade people about their "minimalist" philosophy, things may make more sense.....or not. If you get the opportunity to audition their demonstration system in West Virginia, you might be surprised by what they achieve.
If it was a power cable instead of an outlet much linen would be getting soiled by these same folks.
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Are you sure about that?
Yeah, I've seen them in stores before too, I still don't think it's a great idea which is why I added "imo". It just seems like an odd choice of material to use.
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Some manufacturers of wood wall plates offer models that have a metal backing which they say meets National Electrical Code compliance for flammability.
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Yeah, I've seen them in stores before too, I still don't think it's a great idea which is why I added "imo". It just seems like an odd choice of material to use.
DaveC, thanks for joining my thread, why not just try one and report back? I know Mapleshade is a competitor but that's in the cable side, not outlets. I'll make sure and post if I smell smoke but no worries. I think you'll be fine.
Do you know Pierre Sprey from being in the cable industry?
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DaveC, thanks for joining my thread, why not just try one and report back? I know Mapleshade is a competitor but that's in the cable side, not outlets. I'll make sure and post if I smell smoke but no worries. I think you'll be fine.
Do you know Pierre Sprey from being in the cable industry?
Thanks! Personally, I'm a little wary of the wood plate and have not looked into whether it meets code, which I feel is important... I have never met Pierre but have some of his recordings, I like them a lot.
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Really don't like the idea of a wooden faceplate (fire hazard).
BTW, hospital grade receptacles are randomly tested for "pull out" (to see how tight they grip the plug).
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I tend to agree ! I just have 5 PS audio classic outlets solidly built, for $ 200.00 from PS audio website turned off electrical breaker switch, cleaned the wiring contacts and installed them ! Had my next door neighbor, who is an incredible electrician (worked for Lawrence livermore Labs for 23 years before retiring) checked the wiring right through the Attic and made it practically a dedicated line, he changed the breaker and of course I have solar panels with a very clean inverter giving me clean energy for my main system, and the whole house would I go for those maplewood outlets ? I think it would be a bit risky for the equipment itself. So I how does my system sound well I am just happy :D
I have three cryogenically treated hospital grade 20 amp duplex receptacles to serve my audio system, each wired to a dedicated 20 amp/12 gauge circuit, and all three wired to a separate ground. Our 13 year old house has its own utility transformer. Note that I've tried battery powered amps and DAC to no discernible advantage, but went to this extent as it only cost $100 to do "while we were at it". Not dismissing the affects of power aberrations (the proper term) as I've heard them, but have never encountered them in this house or a 50 year old house that had a "rats nest" of an electrical system. Two years ago added grid locked PV solar, so the power we use is from the utility. Going "off-grid" as you suggest requires expensive batteries to account for clouds/nighttime use, so I surmise you're actually using utility power like we are.
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To paraphrase the simpsons, "if anyone knows about electricity, its the Amish"
If it can not be solved with a hammer you have an electrical problem.
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The Home Depot product is a cover plate, it's not part of the mounting system. All the parts in the mounting system need to be listed for that particular use.
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Someone mentioned 'grip'. Yes, I like a nice tight grip from an electrical socket too.
Some continue to have a good grip for many years. Others loose it.
Worst I owned was a Monster HTPS7000. After just a few plug ins they got sloppy loose.
The lack of grip is also why I called out all Leviton as being junk.
All the Pass & Seymour I have used, going back 20 years.... Have maintained a good tight grip.
So have the OEM outlets in both my Furman REF20i. (really tight!) (Unknown origin of the duplex)
And pretty good in my PS Audio P600. (PS Audio brand duplex)
Ditto the Acme (audiophile) silver plated outlets
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Before one subjects Pierre or Ron to scrutiny and insult I suggest you look at their experience and qualifications. Pierre a Yale graduate was one of of our Secy of Defense "Wiz Kids" and Ron an accomplished EE.
You may not like their outlet offering however not an excuse to bad mouth such learned and accomplished people. Yes I know them personally and DO NOT sell their products.
Mapleshade has a minimalist approach to audio. Not for everyone however works very well for them and their customer base. Unless one has personally experienced Mapleshade products your opinions are moot.
charles
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Yeah, I've seen them in stores before too, I still don't think it's a great idea which is why I added "imo". It just seems like an odd choice of material to use.
I had them on the outlets here when we moved in 20 yrs ago. I replaced them too. Mainly because I didn't like the look, but I can see your point.
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If it can not be solved with a hammer you have an electrical problem.
:lol: :lol: :lol:
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Some manufacturers of wood wall plates offer models that have a metal backing which they say meets National Electrical Code compliance for flammability.
Now that you mention it, I remember my old wooden plates had a metal backing. I'd forgotten that.
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Before one subjects Pierre or Ron to scrutiny and insult I suggest you look at their experience and qualifications. Pierre a Yale graduate was one of of our Secy of Defense "Wiz Kids" and Ron an accomplished EE.
If that's the case, I would have really liked to see their information on how they found any relevance of skin effect at 60Hz mains frequencies, and more importantly whether reducing contact area and conductor thickness still meets electrical/fire regulation for carrying specified household amperage ratings.
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:deadhorse:
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If that's the case, I would have really liked to see their information on how they found any relevance of skin effect at 60Hz mains frequencies, and more importantly whether reducing contact area and conductor thickness still meets electrical/fire regulation for carrying specified household amperage ratings.
If you call Pierre will talk shop with you. I think its better just to try it