Switched Outlet

In my living room the outlet for my TV is controlled by a switch.

Not knowing my grandson turned off the switch. The TV and
cable box went dead.

When I plugged in a circuit tester it showed open neutral.
Then I realized the switch was off and turned it on
the circuit tester showed correct wiring.

Is this normal or do I have a problem?

 

Not normal. The hot should be switched, not the neutral and the tester should show nothing.

 

ched2425 - The switch controlling that receptacle is breaking the neutral instead of breaking the hot. That is why the circuit tester is showing an open neutral when the controlling switch is Off and showing good when the controlling switch is On.

You should never break just the neutral - it leaves a condition that whatever is plugged into that receptacle is constantly fed with the hot. That's not good!

Here's another reason why you don't break the neutral. Let's say a switch is somehow wired to control a ceiling light fixture and the switch incorrectly breaks the neutral instead of breaking the hot. You're up on a ladder to replace the lamp and you know the switch controlling the light fixture is Off because you can actually see that its Off. In your haste to replace the lamp your right pinky finger touches the lamp socket's center contact and your left hand is touching the base of light fixture which is properly grounded. 120 volts passes through your body from one arm to the other arm with your heart somewhere in the middle. If the shock through your chest doesn't stop your aging heart then the hard floor will certainly stop your fall from atop the ladder!

Your heart's electrical system and your home's electrical system clash with a flash!

 

Thank you for your replies.

I thought something was wrong.