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How do you install a 120V outlet allowing the top plug to be controlled from a switch on the wall?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
There is a "lug" that connects the top part of the plug to the bottom. One side will be brass, the other will be silver. The brass side should control the "hot" side of the plug, and the silver side will be the "neutral" side of the plug. New plug outlets all come equipped with lugs that can be "snapped off" by bending them. Don't bother with the neutral side, even if the plug is switched the neutral needs to remain connected to the same place.
Once you've taken care of the hot lug, connect the bottom half of the plug to the original "hot" wire and connect the switch leg WHITE wire to the same place. The BLACK wire of the switch leg should go to the TOP (switched) side of the outlet.
If you need a diagram, send me an e-mail and I'll give you a simple drawing.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
To install a 120V outlet with top plug control from a wall switch, you'll need to replace the existing outlet with a split-wired outlet. Connect the bottom plug to power constantly, and the top plug to be switched by the wall switch. Consult an electrician if you're unsure of the wiring process to ensure safety and compliance with local electrical codes.
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Can you wire a switch downstream from an outlet?
Yes, you can wire a switch downstream from an outlet by connecting the switch to the hot wire (black) from the outlet. The hot wire would then be interrupted by the switch before continuing to the outlet, allowing you to control the power to the outlet with the switch. Always ensure to turn off the power before working on any electrical components.
Can you install an electrical switch before a gfci?
Yes, an electrical switch can be installed before a GFCI outlet in a circuit. Just ensure that the wiring is done correctly, following all safety guidelines and local electrical codes. The GFCI outlet should be properly connected to the power source and the switch should be wired to control the flow of electricity to the outlet.
Need to get power from existing wall outlet to a switch?
To get power from an existing wall outlet to a switch, you will need to run a new electrical cable from the outlet to the switch location. Turn off the power to the outlet, install a new electrical box for the switch, and then connect the new cable to the outlet and the switch following the appropriate wiring diagram. Finally, install the switch into the electrical box and test to ensure it is functioning correctly.
How do you wire a gfci outlet with fan switch?
To wire a GFCI outlet with a fan switch, connect the incoming power source to the LINE terminals on the GFCI outlet. Then, connect the load side of the GFCI outlet to the switch. From the switch, connect the power supply for the fan to complete the circuit. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and all local electrical codes for safety and proper installation.
Why won't a three way lamp switch work on all three settings when used in a outlet controlled by a wall switch?
A three-way lamp switch requires a dedicated three-way bulb and socket to function on all three settings. If used in an outlet controlled by a wall switch, the voltage may not be appropriate for all settings to operate correctly. Additionally, the wiring configuration in the wall switch setup may not be compatible with the three-way lamp switch.
Does an outlet controlled by a light switch still pull energy when the light switch is off?
No.
How do you know which outlet is controlled by a switch?
Plug a lamp into a working socket of an outlet to ensure the lamp works. Then turn off the switch and plug lamp into all outlet sockets, top and bottom outlets until the lamp doesn't light. Then turn on the switch and the lamp should light. Often a switch in a bedroom is only connected to one socket in a duplex outlet. It is possible to remove a jumper in an outlet to isolate the sockets for just this purpose. Often an electrician will install the outlet upside down (The third prong pointing up, to identify the outlet.
Can you wire a switch downstream from an outlet?
Yes, you can wire a switch downstream from an outlet by connecting the switch to the hot wire (black) from the outlet. The hot wire would then be interrupted by the switch before continuing to the outlet, allowing you to control the power to the outlet with the switch. Always ensure to turn off the power before working on any electrical components.
Is it possible to run power from a three way switch to install an outlet?
Yes you just have to "steal" power from the switch. Do this by running a pigtail wire from the hot of the switch to the hot wire of the plug. Make sure you do this before the switch or you will end up with your outlet being switched as well.
Why is there no power to outlet when light switch is turned off?
Some rooms have an outlet controlled by a light switch at the door. This is normally in bedrooms. It is possible that the switch is wired to only one of two outlets in a duplex outlet since it is easy to configure a duplex outlet to separate the bottom and top outlets.
Can you install an electrical switch before a gfci?
Yes, an electrical switch can be installed before a GFCI outlet in a circuit. Just ensure that the wiring is done correctly, following all safety guidelines and local electrical codes. The GFCI outlet should be properly connected to the power source and the switch should be wired to control the flow of electricity to the outlet.
How do you wire a gfci outlet with fan switch?
To wire a GFCI outlet with a fan switch, connect the incoming power source to the LINE terminals on the GFCI outlet. Then, connect the load side of the GFCI outlet to the switch. From the switch, connect the power supply for the fan to complete the circuit. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and all local electrical codes for safety and proper installation.
How do you run a light with a switch from a existing outlet with out controlling the out let with the switch?
Break off the tab that jumps between the wire mounting screws on the side of the receptacle. This turns one receptacle into 2 seperately controlled parts--one is always hot and the other is controlled by the switch (the one with the lamp plugged in).
Why won't a three way lamp switch work on all three settings when used in a outlet controlled by a wall switch?
A three-way lamp switch requires a dedicated three-way bulb and socket to function on all three settings. If used in an outlet controlled by a wall switch, the voltage may not be appropriate for all settings to operate correctly. Additionally, the wiring configuration in the wall switch setup may not be compatible with the three-way lamp switch.
What is a split receptacle?
A split receptacle is a type of electrical outlet that has two separate power sources within the same outlet, allowing for the top and bottom halves of the receptacle to be powered independently. This is useful for plugging in two different devices that may require different power sources or switch-controlled operation.
How do you wire 2 new lights with on-off switches using wires coming from an existing outlet?
You can attach/splice into the power feed to outlet (ways of doing this can vary with how the outlet is wired but make sure that all or part of the outlet isn't controlled by an existing switch). You can then take the hot, neutral and ground to a light fixture or to the first switch, then to the second switch. It is normally easier to do this project by taking power to the light (s) first, with 2 wire drops to the switches, from basement or attic.
If you have a 240V outlet for a window AC unit can you connect a switch to shut the outlet off?
Yes, you can install a switch to turn off power to the 240V outlet that your window AC unit is plugged into. This can be done by installing a double-pole switch rated for 240V that interrupts power to both hot wires simultaneously. Be sure to follow proper electrical safety guidelines and consult with a licensed electrician if needed.
