How to Replace Switch Controlled Outlets
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How should I Wire Outlets that are Controlled by a Wall Switch? Rewiring a Switch Controlled Outlet. |
Switched Outlets
Electrical Question: How should I wire outlets that are controlled by a wall switch?
My electrical wiring project involves Wiring Outlets in the Bedroom of a Apartment.
- This is a 1960s building. The room has four outlets with the top plug on each set to be controlled by one switch. I replaced one outlet and want it to be hot all the time, so did not remove the pin. Now all of the outlets are hot all of the time and not working on the switch, help?
This electrical wiring question came from Ryan, a Student in Los Angeles, California.
Additional Comments: Very helpful.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Ryan.
How to Wire Switch Controlled Outlets
Application: Wiring Switch Controlled Outlets.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the room outlets, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the outlets should be of the same specifications as the original outlets and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Los Angeles, California. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Resources to help you do electrical wiring in your area:
Locate Electricians or Electrical Contractors in California
California Electrical Contractor License, Building Permits and Electrical Codes
Wiring Outlets Controlled by a Wall Switch
Important Note about this Specific Electrical Question:
Ryan would like to make one outlet to be On-All-The-Time, and not controlled by the wall switch. Resources for wiring the typical Switch Controlled Outlets are provided in the listing of Resources found below.
Rewiring a Switch Controlled Outlet
Along with the ground wire, and the neutral wire, a switch controlled outlet has two separate wires which provide the power. One wire provides constant power, and the other wire is controlled by the wall switch. If you desire to have the outlet to be On-All-The-Time then the wire with the constant power is connected to the outlet, and the wire controlled by the wall switch is not connected to the outlet. When the outlet box contains two set of these wires then this typically indicates an incoming cable and an outgoing cable. When the wiring has been identified as such the wires should be spliced together as a matching set to continue their function to the other remaining outlets on this specific circuit for this room.
Resources: More about a Wiring Switch Controlled Outlets
Switched Outlet Wiring
Electrician Explains the Process of Switched Outlet Wiring.
Switched Outlet Wiring Diagram
Electrician Explains How a Switched Outlet is Wired with Wiring Diagram.
How to Wire A Switched Outlet
How To Install A Switched Outlet with Wiring Diagrams, Photos, Questions and Answers.
Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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. |
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