I've never seen the pass through tabs burn through - sounds like over sized or defective breaker. 15A standard receptacles are rated for 20A pass through circuits. Using a pigtail is the best method when the box has the space to accommodate wire nuts
I am not a fan of those push-in connectors; they may make wiring quicker but I don't think they make as good a connection; I have never took one apart but I am under the impression they have less surface contact. Tesla pushed for higher frequency electricity; the higher the frequency the less the energy can penetrate the body. If you are well grounded, 110v can easily push enough current through you to kill you; it takes very little.
most 110V electrocution is hand to arm, or directly at the fingers to neutral. I don't wear rings ever. they get hot or vaporize on higher voltages DC is where is sucks cause you can't let go, having been "touched" by 120VDC more than a few times, it doesn't hurt/burn your muscles just spasm and you get cut or smash the chit out of your hand getting away
I had a job for a part out today. After talking to the customer I found out it was only one breaker tripping. Not anything to do with our side, but I thought of this thread. I helped him disconnect the wire from the breaker cause he was worried bout it. It sure seemed like small wire to be going to a 15 amp breaker and powering as much as it did. At least he called us first instead of an electrician like a lot of people that are part out do.
Depends on what it is. If like half of your house goes out and no breakers trip yes. If your lights get super bright or burst yes (and i would turn the main off ASAP in that case). Small stuff like an outlet not working or a single breaker tripped is usually on the homeowner. I would check what your utility company handles. Years before I started with the company I work for they did all kinds of house service work. Not sure if any utilities still do.
I was almost inclined to use the push in connector yesterday on a GFCI in the bathroom - you know how the screws flop around and getting the wire underneath the screw is frustrating as all get out. Then a bulb went off in my head... stuck a piece of stripped insulation into the rear connection hole to hold the screw out got the wire around and started removed insulation - worked like a champ
