Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is the PowerHold Receptacle Device?

PowerHold is an innovative, tool-less termination receptacle designed to help electrical contractors install devices faster, more consistently and with greater accuracy. Instead of traditional screw terminals, PowerHold uses color-coded levers and patented wire retention technology to simplify wiring, reduce installation errors and help lower labor costs on the jobsite. 

What makes PowerHold different from traditional receptacles?

Unlike conventional receptacles that require screw tightening, PowerHold allows installers to insert the wire, snap the lever closed and move on. The intuitive design speeds up installation while delivering a secure, reliable connection with exceptional wire retention strength. 

Is PowerHold the same as backstab wiring?

No. While PowerHold allows conductors to be inserted into the device, it is fundamentally different from traditional back-stab designs. PowerHold utilizes a patented terminal system engineered for superior wire retention and performance, exceeding UL retention requirements and delivering a secure, reliable connection. 

Where should PowerHold be installed?

PowerHold is ideal for any commercial or residential application, including:

• Commercial offices and tenant buildouts
• Retail environments
• Hospitality and hotel projects
• Multifamily and apartment developments
• Healthcare (non-patient care areas such as conference rooms, private offices or lobbies) and education facilities
• Prefabrication and modular construction projects

Anywhere installation speed, consistency and productivity matter, PowerHold can help.

Who benefits most from PowerHold?

PowerHold is designed for electrical contractors, prefab ships and project teams looking to reduce installation time, improve consistency across crews and increase productivity without sacrificing quality. 
 

Installation & Performance

How fast is the termination process?

PowerHold can be terminated in 10 seconds or less per device. Compared to traditional screw-terminal receptacles, this can significantly reduce installation time across large projects. 

Does PowerHold require any special tools?

No. PowerHold is designed for tool-less termination. Simply strip the wire, insert it into the appropriate terminal and snap the color-coded lever closed. No screwdrivers or torque requirements are needed for termination. 

How does PowerHold compare to back-wire and side-wire receptacles?

PowerHold offers a unique tool-less termination method that differs from traditional side-wire, back-wire and back-stab connections. Instead of wrapping conductors around screws or tightening terminal plates, PowerHold uses color-coded levers and a patented retention mechanism to create a secure connection quickly and consistently. The result is faster installation, simplified wiring and strong wire retention. 

How does PowerHold help prevent wiring errors?

PowerHold features color-coded levers that make conductor identification quick and intuitive: 

• White = Neutral
• Black = Hot
• Green = Ground

An audible snap confirms the lever is securely closed, helping installers verify the connection has been made correctly. 

What is the advantage of the color-coded lever system?

The color-coded levers provide an intuitive visual guide for installers, helping speed installation, simplify training and reduce the likelihood of wiring errors, particularly on larger projects or across multiple installation crews. 

Can PowerHold help reduce labor costs?

Yes. By simplifying termination and reducing installation time per device, PowerHold can help contractors complete projects faster and improve labor efficiency, particularly on large-scale installations. 

Can PowerHold help accelerate project schedules?

PowerHold is designed to reduce the time required to terminate receptacles. On projects involving hundreds or thousands of devices, these time savings can help improve productivity and help keep projects on schedule. 

What makes PowerHold a good fit for labor-constrained projects?

With skilled labor shortages continuing to impact the industry, contractors are looking for ways to do more with available crews. PowerHold simplifies the installation process, helping electricians work faster and reducing the complexity of device termination. 

Is special training required to install PowerHold?

No. PowerHold is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. Most installers can quickly learn the installation process and begin taking advantage of productivity benefits immediately. 

Can PowerHold help standardize installations across multiple crews?

Yes. Because PowerHold uses a simple, repeatable termination process, it can help improve installation consistency across teams, shifts and job sites. The straightforward design minimizes variation in installation methods and helps crews work more efficiently. 

Can PowerHold help reduce callbacks?

PowerHold’s color-coded termination system, audible snap confirmation and high wire-retention strength are designed to help promote consistent installations and reduce the potential for wiring mistakes that can lead to rework. 

Can PowerHold be used in prefabrication environments?

Absolutely. PowerHold is well suited for prefabrication and modular construction applications where speed, repeatability and labor efficiency are critical. The tool-less design helps prefab teams assemble components faster while maintaining consistent installation quality. 

Why isn’t PowerHold considered back-stab wiring?

PowerHold is not a traditional back-stab receptacle. While both methods involve inserting a conductor into the back of the device, the similarities end there. 
Traditional back-stab devices rely on a spring clip to hold the conductor in place. PowerHold uses a patented tool-less termination system with color-coded levers and toothed terminals that actively secure the conductor when the lever is closed. This design delivers more than 30 pounds of wire retention force, exceeding UL retention requirements and providing a strong, reliable connection. 
PowerHold was engineered to combine the speed of tool-less installation with the performance and confidence contractors expect from a commercial grade wiring device. 

Code & Compliance

Is PowerHold UL listed?

Yes. PowerHold receptacles are UL Listed and tested to applicable industry standards for safety and performance. 

Does PowerHold meet UL498 requirements?

Yes. PowerHold is tested to the requirements of UL498, the standard governing attachment plugs and receptacles. The device’s patented termination system exceeds UL wire retention requirements, helping provide a secure and reliable electrical connection. 

How does PowerHold compare to traditional wiring methods from a code perspective?

PowerHold is a code-compliant receptacle solution designed and tested to applicable industry standards. While its tool-less termination method differs from traditional side-wire and back-wire devices, it is evaluated to the same safety and performance requirements required for UL Listing. 

Does PowerHold comply with National Electrical Code (NEC®) requirements?

PowerHold receptacles are designed to support NEC-compliant installations when installed according to applicable codes and manufacturer instructions. As with any electrical device, installers should always follow local code requirements and inspection guidelines. 

Is PowerHold approved for commercial applications?

Yes. PowerHold is suitable for a wide range of commercial applications, including offices, retail environments, hospitality projects, healthcare facilities, educational buildings and multifamily developments. 

Is PowerHold approved for residential applications?

Yes. PowerHold is an excellent solution for residential construction, apartment communities, condominiums and other dwelling-unit applications where installation speed and reliability are important. 

What testing is performed on PowerHold? 

PowerHold undergoes rigorous testing to verify electrical performance, mechanical durability, wire retention strength and overall safety. Testing helps validate reliable performance in both residential and commercial applications. 

Does the higher wire retention strength matter?

Yes. Strong wire retention helps maintain secure electrical connections throughout the life of the installation. PowerHold’s patented toothed terminal design delivers more than 30 pounds of retention force, exceeding UL requirements and providing added confidence during installation. 

Can inspectors easily evaluate a PowerHold installation?

Yes. PowerHold’s simple termination method and color-coded lever system make conductor identification straightforward. The audible snap and visual confirmation of lever closure help installers and inspectors verify that connectors have been properly completed. 

Does PowerHold support tamper-resistant requirements?

Yes. PowerHold receptacles are available in tamper-resistant configurations featuring a dual mechanical shutter system designed to meet applicable code requirements while helping improve user safety. 

Technical Specifications

What amperage ratings are available?

PowerHold is available in:

• 15A, 125V
• 20A, 125V

What device styles are available?

PowerHold is offered in duplex receptacles and decorator receptacles. 

What wire sizes are supported?

PowerHold accepts:

• #14 AWG through #10 AWG copper conductors
• Solid or stranded wire

Does PowerHold work with stranded wire?

Yes. PowerHold supports both solid and stranded copper conductors, providing flexibility across a wide range of applications. 

Does PowerHold fit standard electrical boxes?

Yes. PowerHold features a compact, shallow profile designed to help simplify installation in crowded electrical boxes. 

Is PowerHold available in tamper-resistant versions?

Yes. PowerHold receptacles feature tamper-resistant protection with a dual mechanical shutter system that helps improve safety and meet code requirements where applicable. 
 

Troubleshooting & Maintenance

Are PowerHold receptacles compatible with split-circuit wiring?

Yes. PowerHold includes accessible break-off tabs on both the hot and neutral sides, allowing for quick split-circuit configurations when needed. 

Are PowerHold connections permanent?

No. While PowerHold provides a secure, high-retention connection, conductors can be removed and reconfigured if future renovations, upgrades or maintenance activities require changes. 

Does Powerhold support future renovations and tenant improvements?

Yes. Because conductors can be removed and re-terminated when necessary, PowerHold is a practical solution for commercial spaces, multifamily properties and facilities that may undergo future renovations or reconfigurations. 

How can I verify the connection is secure?

When the lever is fully closed, an audible snap confirms engagement. Combined with the device’s high wire retention strength, this provides confidence that the connection has been properly made. 

Where can I find additional product information?

For product literature, specifications, installation instructions and sample requests, visit www.legrand.us/pass-and-seymour/powerhold or contact your local Legrand representative.