Switched Receptacle

It is very easy to switch a receptacle but to only switch half may throw people off a bit. Now if you want the entire receptacle switched you will only have to skip one or two steps, I will explain, The average receptacle has two places to plug into. What we are going to talk about today is only switching one of the two plugs or the whole plug. We will assume you have the boxes for the receptacle and switch in place. Installing a new box will be in a future article.

Switched Receptacle

If you have any questions please ask in the comment link below, I will answer them to the best of my ability, also if you have future projects that you would like step by step instructions please post in the comment box I will usually answer the same day.

1) Tools and material

a) romex If you are planning on pulling more than 15amps use 12 gage wire

1) 14/2 or 12/2

2) If you are planning to switch half of the receptacle you will also need 14/3 or 12/3

b) romex connectors

c) strippers

d) pliers

e) razor knife

f) wire nuts

g) phillips screw driver

h) drill

i) receptacle

j) single pole switch

k) romex straps

2) Where is the power coming from? If you are going to plug in a lamp then you can probably grab power from the most convenient place. If you are going to have a little bit of power you may want to consider grabbing power from a circuit that has minimal outlets on it or coming directly from the panel.

3) Bring power to the switch. Take 14/2 (to simplify I will use 14 as my gage wire but you may be using 12 gage)from the source, whether it be a panel or a near by junction box and feed it into the switch box.(you should have about a foot going into the switch) Leave enough romex at both ends just in case there is a mistake made. Better too much than not enough. Now strap no more than 3' from the box and 5' after(you may need to strap more. NO SAGGING). Mark the romex going into the switch with a sharpie. VERY IMPORTANT!!! Mark the romex now.

4) Feed the receptacle. If you are switching half the receptacle run 14/3 to the receptacle, if you switching the whole thing run 14/2. Strap and put the wire in the box.

5) Splice in the receptacle.

a) Take your razor knife and carefully run your razor along the center of the romex. If your running 14/2 that's the center of the flat side about six inches long. If your running 14/3 just be careful. Open the romex and pull the wire out, then cut any excess covering or paper. Make sure you did not cut the wire.

b) Install your ground screw in the back of the metal box. If you are using a plastic box there won't be any ground screw. Cut the ground so it comes out of the box 8" and wrap it around the screw and the green screw on the receptacle.(For plastic box wrap around the green receptacle screw only)

c) Now cut the white wire so it comes out of the box 6" and strip the end about an 1" and wrap around the silver screw on the receptacle. Make sure the wire is completely under the screw and tighten.

d) Only for those switching half the receptacle!! There is a copper bar in between the two brass screws, I want you to grab your strippers (the end looks like needle nose pliers) and grab the copper bar. Rock it back and forth until it breaks. This is what will separate the always hot side of the receptacle and the switched side. Now take your red wire and wrap it around one of the screws and tighten.

e) Take your black wire and wrap it around the brass screw. Make sure your wire is completely under the screw.

d) Screw it into the box and put the cover plate on.

6) Splice in the Switch.

a) The first thing I want you to do is strip the romex coming from your power source.

b) Now take the black wire and mark it with a piece of tape. Or bend it over, don't loose this wire.

c) Now strip your other romex.

d) Screw in the the ground screw (if your box is metal) and wrap one of the bare wires around the screw. Leaving at least 6" coming out of the box. Take your other bare wire and cut it the same length then connect them with a wire nut. Always twist your wires together with pliers, cut them so they are even then put on the wire nut.

e) Cut all the white wires so they come out of the box 6". Strip all the ends and connect with a wire nut.

f) Only for those switching half the receptacle.

1) cut a piece of wire 8" long and strip both ends about an inch

2) Take the two black wires in the box and strip there ends about an inch

3) Take the two black wires and your 8" wire and connect the three with a wire nut. Push the wire nut in the box so you now have only one black wire sticking out of the box.

4) Connect the black wire to one screw on the switch and the red wire to the other screw. Put the plate cover on.

g) For those switching the whole receptacle. Take your two black wires and put one on each screw of the single pole switch. Put your plate on.

7) Connect to your power source.

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John

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. I can not be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.