Switch/Receptacle

Hello. I wanted to know how to wire a receptacle so that a switch controls half of it. That is, one of the inputs is always hot while the other is operated using a switch. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.--Marc

 

The trick to wiring 1/2 a receptacle to a switch is the little tab between the screws on the hot side of the receptacle. With the tab in place the top and bottom are common but when the tab is removed it becomes two independant receptacles. If you tell us how you are set up and what is available we should be able to tell you exactly what to do specific to your situation.

 

I use to have a outlet that did this until I messed with it. Maybe you can help me too. I have an outlet that the bottom half use to be controlled by a switch now its Live all the time. On the outlet there is 2 black wires to the top and two red wires to the bottom on the hot side with the little brass piece connecting top and bottom broken out. On the common side all the wiring is common with the middle piece not broken out. I am guessing I have to put one of the red wires to the top, but I am not sure and I don't want to cause any fires.
I know I sound kind of stupid but can you help?
Thanks Roger

 

I have four recepticals, two of which I want 1/2 of each wired to a three way switch. These recepticals will be on one 20A breaker, and I'm using 12/2 and 12/3 NM. Thanks for your help--Marc

 

Please visit This Site for information and drawings.

 

Skeetr69, Your colours should be the same on each side, not top and bottom. Example: 2 black on the hot side two red on the neutral side or vice versa.

 

NEVER put the red,black, green,or any color other than white on the neutral side (silver screw) !!!!!!!

 

Sorry my mistake I misread Skeetr69's post. I thought he said he had 2 black on top and two red on bottom with no white in box. Stoned if I remember correctly, that is why I never work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.