[ee10k]

I would like to add a switched outlet (3way) to my living room. I read an earlier post that explained how to separate the top half and bottom half of a receptacle. Does it seem reasonable to tap into the 'always hot side' of this receptacle and add the switches to the bottom receptacle? If so, could I add switched outlet to this same circuit leg? Any suggestions or hints that I haven't considered or forgot to ask?

Thanks!

[ballengerb1]

If you are thinking of making an existing outlet into a switched 3 way, good luck. You won't have enough travers running between the switches and each other unless you are will to open or snake the walls of your home. Tell me more about you home and what you currently have.

[ee10k]

Hello ballengerb1,

Thanks for the response. This is the scenario. I am remodeling a room right now. The drywall is in the process of coming down on the walls and ceiling so the entire room will be exposed. I have 2 outlets along one of the walls which are always hot. What I would like to do is make the bottom half of both outlets 3 way switched by 2 switches. I am not sure if or where I can tap into the hot circuit according to code in order to do this. Is it allowed? Do I just pigtail from the hot upper half of one of the outlets for this switched circuit?

[Stratmando]

Find a spot for the 2 switches, you need to run 2 wires uninterrupted between the 2 3-ways,
Those "travellers"(usually same color wire), will connect to the 2 screws that are the same color. One of the 3 ways will be the "Live End", and needs constant 120 volts to.
The other 3 way switch will be the "Switched End" that will connect to the halves of the receptacle, You will need to break off the tab on the side of the receptacle, which connects
The top receptacle to the bottom recepticle(Hot). Getting Constant hot from receptacle OK.
Don't forget TV, Tel, Computer, Alarm, Speaker, even if not for that room, but connecting, rooms as well.
The hot end, and switched end go to dark screw on three ways. Good Luck

[ballengerb1]

Yes it is allowed and not terribly complex. I'm sure you know about the small brass tab on the side of the duplex that can be removed so the two halves of the outlet can be control separately. I will admit that when doing 3 ways I usuallly discuss them with TKRussell since they are not my strong suit and Kevin is a fine electrician. He may pick up on this topic or you could send him a PM from the member directory.

[ballengerb1]

OOPS, or you could listen to Stratmando who also does a very good job. Just been here for a few months but is doing a fine job too.