[Melissa514]

I am replacing the plug sockets in a 70's era home, most have had 2 black and 2 white wires inside in addition to the copper ground wire, however I have just come across a socket with 2 white, one RED and one ground, the socket was not working before I replaced it and is not working with the new socket which I installed exactly the same way the previous socket was. What can I do to see if I can fix it before calling an electrician and where the heck is the black wire that the other sockets have?

[tkrussell]

The red wire is probably from a wall switch, is this in the living room or bedroom that does not have a ceiling light?

There may be a switch that you did not know what it did, because it controlled this outlet, and if there was not a table lamp plugged in you would not know it worked by a switch.

[Melissa514]

Thank you it is in the living room, I don't have a lamp or light connected to it but I should say I just moved in 2 weeks ago there is a double switch on a neighboring wall but the socket does not function if either one is in the on position. Do I need to break the tab between the two brass screws on the outlet even if there is only one red live wire?

[tkrussell]

Your pretty sharp. No if there is only the red wire, then both outlets of the duplex are controlled by the switch.

You only break the tab if the was a live black wire for one half, and the red controlled by a switch.

If you look inside the outlet box, and if there is a black wire, you may be able to split the outlet so half is live 24/7, and the other half switched.

[Melissa514]

Thanks, no black wire at all probably time to call in an electrician to take a look?

[tkrussell]

That is odd, as a red wire will always be in a cable with black and white, unless you have conduit and not cable.

The wisest and safest thing to do is always call an electrician if your not sure about any electrical issue.

[Kyle_in_rure]

I'm thinking it must be switch-controlled or something? Are you absolutely positive there is no black wire? (Or a black wire that is cut/capped off?) However If you're unsure, I'd consult an electrician.