Decora-compatible multi-outlet?

January 14, 2022 3:50 PM

Are there multi-outlets that can be attached to outlets using top and bottom screws instead of using a central screw?

I need more places to plug stuff in and want to install multi outlets in a couple of locations. By multi-outlet, I mean something like [this].

Notice how that has a screw in the middle? Decora outlets do not have a screw hole in that location. We've found that without that screw anchoring the multi-outlet, they too easily fall out of the wall.

I can't seem to fashion a search that comes up with results for this. Everything I've found either has no screw at all, or a single middle screw. Are there ones out there that have top and bottom screws that could replace the ones used by the outlet cover?

posted by rouftop to Home & Garden (2 answers total)

I haven't seen any with top+bottom screws to fit a Decora outlet. While it's not a direct answer to your question, I do have one of these (it's just a tap, no surge protection) and, for having no anchor screws, it stays pretty snug. Perhaps because its outlets are perpendicular to the parent outlet?

Alternately, if it's going to be covered up by a multi-tap anyway, what about replacing the Decora outlet with a standard outlet that does have a center screw, for which there are a pile of multi-tap options?
posted by xedrik at 4:17 PM on January 14, 2022 [2 favorites]

Replacing the Decora outlet with a standard duplex outlet is an option, as mentioned. Another option is to drill a pilot hole into the middle of the Decora where the screw would hold your multitap in place. You're sacrificing the look of the outlet when the multitap is removed. Assuming you are not using a GFCI Decora outlet, there is no wiring or conductive element under where the pilot hole would be made; the flat finish is cosmetic. A standard duplex has a threaded receptacle and will work better for this purpose, however.
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 1:50 AM on January 15, 2022