Help with switch outlet wiring
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Summary: 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. One very important element can be easily overlooked as you will see in these pictures. |
Understand how Switched Outlets are Wired for Home Electrical Applications |
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These wiring diagrams show typical connections for a switched outlet also known as a Half Hot Plug. The diagram above 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. 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. |
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Switched Outlets are also referred to as a Half-Hot Outlet or Receptacle
Outlet wiring for a table lamp or a floor fixture
These wiring diagrams show typical connections.
The diagram above 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.
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.
This series of electrical wiring pictures shows how the actual wiring is attached using the top wiring diagram scenario #1 where the power enters at the switch box and a 3-wire romex runs from the switch box down to the grounded wall outlet.
Above you will see the tab in place that bridges the power between the top outlet and the bottom.
Here the tab is removed and now the top and bottom outlets are separate from one another. The tab can be removed by using a small screw driver, needle nose pliers or side cutters.
Notice above the two separate colored wires, red for the light fixtures which is controlled by the switch and the black for the bottom outlet which is hot all the time.
