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View Full Version : Switched oulet is hot all the time, switch not controlling the outlet


jsun
Dec 6, 2007, 07:30 PM
Switched outlet stopped working, outlet is hot all the time, no matter whether switch is on or off. Replaced the switch and receptacle , still the switc is not controlling the outlet.

Washington1
Dec 6, 2007, 08:08 PM
-Are you trying to switch the entire receptacle--using 14-2?
-Do you have power?

Outside of the above questions. Did you break the copper tab on the receptacle. Note: There is a tab on the hot side of your receptacle that serves as a link to power each individual receptacle on a duplex (or tri) receptacle. If you break this tab, it will allow you to switch one side, and have continuous power on the other. Do not break the silver tab, you will need this conductor to be continuos (This side is for your white conductors).<<----Assuming you used 14-3AWG

jsun
Dec 7, 2007, 05:36 AM
Yes, When I replaced the receptacle, I broke the tab on the hot side to control only the top outlet controlled by a switch. Now, after replacing the switch and receptacle, both outlet in the receptacle are alwas hot, but not controlled by switch. I remember that I removed a shandalier light from its outlet in the living room. Do you think that's something related to my switch not working in the bedroom?

Cobraguy
Dec 7, 2007, 06:55 AM
Tell us exactly what wiring you have in the junction box and at the switch. Then get your meter out so you can determine which wires are hot. We can better help you with this information.

Don Juan Be Rich
Dec 7, 2007, 08:36 AM
If at the receptacle site you have only one wire grouping coming in then your power is at the fixture. If there is 2 then you need to see which one is your power. Check the fixture outlet. If there are two sets of wires coming in then your power is at the fixture. If only one then you will need to trace the wires to find where the power is connecting to your switch and fixture. Good luck!

Stratmando
Dec 7, 2007, 04:21 PM
You could plug in a 2 lamps, one in each half, and start at the switch box. Disconnect different wires.
See if the switched wire is wirenutted to a second switched receptacle and check tab, if changed out and it worked before.