Light switch turns off outlet (with diagram)

Hello,

New home owner here.

I am working on a new project in my basement. I want to be able to turn on a wall outlet and ceiling light simultaneously with one light switch. The problem I am having is that when the switch is ON, the ceiling lights turn on but the outlet turns off, and when the switch is OFF, the ceiling lights turn off, but the outlet turns on.

I've spent many hours investigating why this is happening. Fortunately, I was able to get to the wires and I think I've figured out the problem. Since I am a visual person, I drew a diagram of the wiring (without the whites to make it less complicated).

Basically, the switch is either supplying the lights OR the outlet, but I want it to supply both at the same time, so that the lights AND outlet turn on simultaneously.

I was thinking of changing the three way switch for a single pole switch, and then attach the current two travelers wires together in a wire nut and connect it to the terminal with a pigtail wire. Although, I would like to have an input from more experienced people. Maybe there is a better way of doing it.

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forums.

In your diagrams you are using a three way switch. That's no good.
You need to use a single pole switch and combine the red wire for the light with the black wire for the receptacle.

 

Hello.

Thank you for your answer. I changed the switch today and everything is working perfectly!

 

Like you said, a simple on/off switch with the output to both the outlet and light would do it.

Sorry - didn't see Pjmax's reply. I would have deleted the post, but don't see that option.

 

No problem. Just keeping you on your toes.