Wiring a Switched Outlet Combo

How Can I Replace an Wall Outlet with a Switched and Outlet Combo? Wiring a Combo Switch and Outlet.

Combo Switched Outlet
Electrical Question How Can I Replace an Wall Outlet with a Switched and Outlet Combo?

• I want to replace an outlet in my kitchen with a outlet-switch combo. the new switch will be for additional lighting added to the kitchen.
• The outlet currently has a white wire attached on 1 side and a black and red wire attached to the other side.
• The break off tab is removed from between the red and black wire.
• The red and black wire are both hot. Can you tell me what I am looking at and can I proceed.

This electrical wiring question came from: Ron, a Homeowner from Jupiter, Florida.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical Wiring Question Ron.

Wiring a Combo Switch and Outlet

Application: Wiring a Combo Switch and Outlet.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and electrical wiring.
Precaution: Identify the power source at the panel, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Half -Hot Switched Outlet

Combo Switch Outlets are handy when space is limited to one electrical box, but keep in mind that the proper wires must be present to make this combo switch outlet work correctly.

• The outlet that is referred to in this question, is either a half-hot outlet that has one of the outlets switched, or the outlet is wired from a multi-wire circuit, which means that the red wire and the black wire are two separate circuits, however they share the same white neutral wire.
• The outlet may be part of a mulit-wire circuit, which in this case you could disconnect either the red wire or the black wire and cap it off, and use the wiring that is left to wire to the switched outlet for your lights.
• Because the outlet is located in the kitchen, the switch outlet-combo should be a GFI Outlet Switch Combo, unless the circuit is already protected by GFCI.

More about Switched Outlet Wiring

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Kitchen Electrical Wiring

Electric Wiring for Outlets

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.

How to Wire a Switch

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your 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.

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