Summary: This switched outlet electrical wiring diagram shows two scenarios of wiring for a typical half hot outlet that can be used to control a table or floor lamp.
Understanding Switched Outlet Wiring for Home Electrical Applications
The switched outlet wiring configurations show two different wiring scenarios which are most commonly used.
The wiring and connections will depend on where the power enters the circuit. The
connections for a switched outlet also known as a Half Hot Plug.
The diagram shows the power entering into the circuit at the switch box location, then sending one power line for the outlet which is hot all the time and a switched leg for the top half of the outlet being used for a table lamp or a floor fixture
Instructions
Switched Outlet Electrical Wiring Diagram #1
The Electrical Power Source Enters at the Switch
Outlet Wiring for a Table Lamp or a Floor Light Fixture
These electrical wiring diagrams show typical connections.
The diagram below shows the power entering the circuit at the grounded outlet box location, then sending power up to the switch and a switched leg back down to the outlet.
Notice that these outlets have the tab removed from the "hot" side or Brass side of the outlet which allows the top half of the plug to be controlled only from the switch while the bottom end of the outlet remains "hot" all the time. This is shown in the pictures below.
Switched Outlet Wiring Diagram #2 - Power Source Enters at the Outlet
Switched Outlet Wiring Variations
The switch I am replacing has two red wires plugged into the back and two black wires plugged into the one below. If I want to keep the same set up I can just connect the two red wires to the top brass screw and the two black wires to the bottom but must break the small brass tab between the screws not the plastic, correct? If I don't care to use the wall switch all I have to do is to cap off the red and connect one black wire to one brass screw and one to the other brass screw without removing the brass tab, correct?
From what you have described, I believe that you are correct.
The brass tab can be left in place if you no longer want half of the outlet to be controlled by the switch.
How to Install Electrical Outlet and Switch Combo Wiring – In most cases, the primary power source is shared between the switch and the outlet, either with a wire jumper or the bridge or tab that is located on the side of the combo switch and outlet.
How to Wire Half Hot Switched Outlets: The brass tab is a link between the top and bottom receptacles that allow them to be isolated from one another for applications such as a wall outlet that has one receptacle controlled by the wall switch while the other receptacle is hot all the time.
How to Wire a Half Hot Outlet and Switched Outlet: I have a problem with a duplex receptacle where the upper plug does not have power but the lower half does.
How to Wire Half-Hot Plugs and Switched Outlets: The outlets will need to be examined to identify the wiring that runs to the wall switch and then make the appropriate adjustment.
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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.
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How to Convert a Switched Outlet to Non-Switched How to Convert Switched Outlets to be Hot All the Time: The easiest way to convert a half-hot duplex receptacle or a switched outlet to be hot all the time is really not that difficult.
switched outlet - 1879
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Wiring Electrical Outlets
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Outlet Circuits are Best Installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical outlets and wiring, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Electrical Outlets Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for outlet wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional electrical wiring for outlets should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that 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.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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.
A wire stripping tool used 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.
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