Understanding Switched Outlet Wiring

How to Wire a Switched Outlet: Wiring 110 volt switched outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home.

Identifying Switched Outlet Wiring
Electrical Question: I have a new condo. On a 120V, 20A circuit there are six outlets.

On the last one, one hot goes to upper receptacle, other hot is connected to one neutral with black pigtail to lower receptacle.
Other neutral goes to upper receptacle, leaving lower half of outlet dead. Looks odd. But is it correct?

This electrical wiring question came from: Douglas, a Homeowner from Clearwater, Florida.
Additional Comments: AWESOME

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Douglas.

How to Wire a Switched Outlet

Douglas, I believe you are describing a half hot or switched outlet.

Electrical outlet wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlet 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 will assist you with your Switched Outlet Wiring

Understanding Switched Outlet Wiring for Home Electrical

switched-outlet

This switched outlet wiring diagram shows two scenarios of wiring for a typical half hot outlet that can be used to control a table or floor lamp.

Electrical Outlets

For more information about Outlet Wiring
How to Install Electrical Outlets

Wiring Electrical Outlets
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Wiring Electrical Outlets with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
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, Handywomen, 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
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.

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

A Quick Overview of House Electrical Wiring

Helping You Wire it Right

Basic House Electrical Wiring by Example

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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