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    pntcont's Avatar
    pntcont Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 15, 2009, 05:08 PM
    Add a switch with a pilot light to a run of outlets for control
    I want to add a switch with a pilot light to a run of outlets so I can control and know when my switched outlet is on.
    I purchased a switch with a pilot light. IT has three terminals plus ground
    The switch has terminals with a silver and brass screw on one side and a black terminal on the opposite side, plus the green ground terminal
    I tied the power(black) wires together.(Power in, power to outlets downstream, and power to the new switch). I then ran a new power lead from the black screw on the switch to the switched outlet
    I tied the common(white)wires together plus an additional pigtale for the switched outlet.

    I powered up and the pilot light was on all the time and there was no power to the switched outlet in either switch position.

    HELP!
    Missouri Bound's Avatar
    Missouri Bound Posts: 1,532, Reputation: 94
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    #2

    Jul 15, 2009, 05:31 PM
    I'm a bit confused... does the switch have it's own receptacle, or is it just a switch with a pilot light? And are you just switching one receptacle, or the whole run of outlets?
    The silver screw is the neutral connection, the brass screw is the hot wire, and the black should be the switch leg. Usually there is a way to separate electrically the light from the switch by breaking off a tab. Didn't the switch come with a wiring diagram?
    If you put up the mfg. and model number someone may be able to help you wring it out.
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jul 15, 2009, 08:48 PM

    Reverse the wires under the brass and black screws. If the switched outlet is a new outlet you need a neutral (white) to the outlet also.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #4

    Jul 16, 2009, 06:20 AM

    If the switch is what I am thinking, neutral goes to white screw, power(black) goes to screw next to the white screw, and the switched recepticles goes to either of the 2 screws on the other side(tab should be connecting both screws on that side.
    Only ground goes on ground screw.
    pntcont's Avatar
    pntcont Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Jul 16, 2009, 10:29 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by hkstroud View Post
    Reverse the wires under the brass and black screws. If the switched outlet is a new outlet you need a neutral (white) to the outlet also.
    Thank you Very Much. Reversing the wires as you suggested made the system work as planned.

    This is a great service. It is just great that you guys with the smarts take time to help us dummies.
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