Switched Outlet Wiring

By Dave Rongey Summary: Electrical Outlets Question: I'm trying to wire a switched outlet. The problem is in the switch box where there is one set of wires which are black, white, ground, and another set that also has a red wire. The same setup is on the outlet. I am trying to get the switch to control just the top plug, and have the bottom plug hot all the time. © By: Dave Rongey

The Process of Wiring a Switched Outlet

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Electrical Outlets Question:
I'm trying to wire a switched outlet. The problem is in the switch box where there is one set of wires which are black, white, ground, and another set that also has a red wire.

The same setup is on the outlet. I am trying to get the switch to control just the top plug, and have the bottom plug hot all the time.
I am lost and any help would be apprectiated.
Steve M.


Hi Steve - Great Electrical Repair Question!
This is a typical half-hot plug.
Please see the Wiring Diagram #1 on this page:
Disposal Wiring Diagram

The black or hot wire coming in splices through for the hot to the outlet but also supplies power to the switch.

The red wire is attached to the switch and feeds down to the outlet.

You'll have a split outlet where the tab is broken on the outlet.

The top (black) is hot all the time, the bottom (red) is controlled by the switch.