Question about those new push-in wire connectors

I had a call last week in a 90s house where a light fixture kept flickering. Opened the box and found a push-in connector on the hot leg that was just warm to the touch, not even hot. I've always used wire nuts, thought these were fine for small stuff. Pulled the wire out and the contact spring inside was all black and crusty. I replaced it with a Wago 221 lever nut and the flicker stopped. Anyone else run into these failing under normal load?

3 comments

3 Comments

sandra_black2mo ago

Yeah, I found a melted one just last month behind a switch plate.

the_mary2mo ago

Yikes, that's scary.

ramirez.caleb1mo ago

Did you check the rest of the outlets on that circuit? That melted one is a major warning sign. I had the same thing happen and it turned out the wiring in the whole wall was getting too hot. @the_mary, you're right to be worried, it's a serious fire risk. You really need to get an electrician to look at it right away, don't just replace the outlet yourself.