» Need Electrical Help? Ask the Electrician
Switched Outlet Wiring
|
|
By Dave Rongey
© By: Dave Rongey |
The Process of Wiring a Switched Outlet
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.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
Outlets Parts and Accessories120volt Wall Outlet GFCI Outlet Switch and Outlet Combo |

