How To Change Switched Outlet Wiring

I have an outlet controlled by a switch that I would like to have so it controls only one of the outlet socket, will I have to rewire anything? How to Change Switched Outlet Wiring.

Switched Outlet Wiring
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have an outlet controlled by a switch that I would like to have so it controls only one of the outlet socket, will I have to rewire anything?

• I have a standard duplex outlet that is controlled by a light switch. I would like to have it setup so only one of the sockets is controlled by the switch.
• I did some research and read that there is a metal tab between the brass screws that should be removed to break the common current. Am I correct so far?
• My question is, is this all I have to do? Or will I have to rewire anything?
• I don’t want to run new wire or anything so if that is the only way to accomplish this task, it really won’t be worth my time.

Thank you for your time.

This question came from Scott, who is a Homeowner from Brunswick, Maryland.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Scott.

How to Change Switched Outlet Wiring

Application: Wiring a Half Hot Switched Outlet.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best Installed by a Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Specific to the scope of the work and the condition of the home and project. Electricians Tools, including Pouch of Hand Tools, Power Tools, Drill motor and Auger Drill Bits and Extension Cords, and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install electrical wiring.
Precaution: Identify the circuit power source at the panel, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before installing wiring or working or making connections.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done through the local building authority, according to applicable local and national electrical codes, with a permit, and have required inspections.

Changing the Wiring for a Switched Outlet

• If the power originates or starts at the outlet then the metal tab may be removed as you have described.
• Additional wiring adjustments may be required depending on the wiring configuration.
• Please see the additional resources for complete details and wiring instructions and wiring diagrams.

More Switched Outlet Wiring

Fully explained wiring instructions and wiring diagrams can be found here in the Switched Outlet Wiring Diagrams area here in this website. Just click the Switched Outlet Wiring Diagrams link below.

Switched Outlet Wiring Diagrams

Electrical Wiring

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

Make sure not to miss these Resources for: How-To-Pictures
Home Electrical Projects

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This 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 Tester This 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 Cutter My 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.

More articles about Electrical, Outlets and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
What to do About a Tripping Circuit Breaker	How to Connect and Run a Generator