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    Pysiek's Avatar
    Pysiek Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 26, 2010, 07:03 AM
    How to split outlet controlled by switch?
    I have a outlet that have 2 connections. This outlet is controlled by a switch. I would like to make one connection in this outlet to be controlled by the switch and the other one live all the time. How do I do it?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 26, 2010, 07:26 AM

    You usually can't unless you can find or pull another hot line. We have to do a few tests to know what you have and how its wired. Are there any other lines running through the existing receptacle box? Can you test between the black fed at the outlet and the green ground, do you get current?
    Pysiek's Avatar
    Pysiek Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Apr 26, 2010, 07:35 AM
    Can I just broke a little steel piece between the connections?
    Pysiek's Avatar
    Pysiek Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Apr 26, 2010, 07:39 AM

    I will do the test when I get home. Now I'm at work.
    Pysiek's Avatar
    Pysiek Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Apr 26, 2010, 07:45 AM

    Can I put a new double outlet and use existing wiring?
    DanielF's Avatar
    DanielF Posts: 158, Reputation: 14
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    #6

    Apr 26, 2010, 10:25 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Pysiek View Post
    Can I put a new double outlet and use existing wiring?
    Depends which country you're in! If you're in Australia, then yes, it's a simple matter of removing the single GPO and replacing it with a double one, which fits in the same hole with the same fixings.

    Of course this work should be done by a licensed electrician, with the circuit-breaker switched off!

    If you're somewhere else, I don't know.

    Daniel
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #7

    Apr 27, 2010, 01:56 AM

    It depends on what you have coming into the outlet.

    If power feeds the switch first and then the outlet then your out of luck.

    If the switch is a simple switch loop, then it's easy.

    Can you turn off power. Remove the outlet and plate but not the wires. Take a pic and post using "go advanced/manage attachments"?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #8

    Apr 27, 2010, 06:32 AM

    Breaking that tab would only work if you have power going to the outlet prior to the switch like KISS says. If you have a switch loop this might be possible but you'd have to be lucky. Let us know after you do some testing. I think Daniel is skipping the part about the outlet not getting power when the switch is off.
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