I was updating a rental property that I recently purchased and decided to replace the outlets and light switches as they had been painted over many times. Out of the 15 outlets I changed, four are not working and I have no idea why. A couple of them (the ones that are not working) are connected to switches. Any idea what the problem might be?? I have checked and rechecked the wiring and everything seems to be okay.

Also, in one of the closets there is an outlet on the ceiling. Can I convert the outlet to a light with a pull string.

Thank for the help

tkrussell

Wiring for switches controlling outlets can be a bit confusing, but all I can assume is you put the wiring back exactly as found. One thing most people are not aware of, is a controlled oultet is usually split, one half is on all the time, an one half is switched. Look between the two brass screws on the "hot' side of the outlet, you will see a small "jumper" that needs to be cut or pried out when the outlet is half switched. This will leave one hot wire on one half of the outlet, and a switced wire on the other half.

I think not removing this jumper on the "switched" outlets is your problem. If not get back and let us know what you found.

Sure the outlet can be converted over to a pull string fixture, just remember that no bare incandescent lamps can be located in a closet.

See this previous post for more detail:
http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electri...set-54306.html

john b

tkrussell...thanks for the great advice. I went back and looked at my work but everything looked okay. I checked the circuit breaker thinking that maybe I accidentialy tripped a switched. No luck. Finally I went out a bought a voltage/meter tool, only to find out I inadvertently hooked up the switches wrong...put both hot wires on one switch and the two negatives on the other. as soon as I corrected my error it was like magic, everything worked.

Regarding the outlet in the closet, thanks for that advice. I bought an inexpensive ceiling light with pull string (bulb covered with glass fixture) and installed it.

Thank you very much

John