a general purpose receptacle having selective single and split circuit electrical modes is adapted for mounting in a standard floor or wall mounting box . the receptacle is formed of a molded , one - piece receptacle body and a molded , one - piece receptacle front . selection of single or split circuit operating modes is achievable by a break - off tab which normally electrically connects two sets of female contacts as a single circuit but which can be broken off so that the female contact sets are electrically separated . the receptacle is wired by placing the unstripped ends of insulated conductors at insulation severing terminals connected to the female contacts and forcing the conductors into the terminals . to accomplish this , a pair of suitably shaped side covers are hinged to the front part of the receptacle top to provide the requisite insulation - displacement forces . with the side covers secured in position , no terminals are exposed which might otherwise make electrical contact with metallic parts of the mounting box . mounting , insulation severing and circuit mode selection can all be performed by using a screwdriver .