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    lynch1080's Avatar
    lynch1080 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Nov 20, 2009, 09:33 AM
    Outlet works like a switch
    We have two switches that operate the outside lights. We put in an outlet and ran it off one of these switches. The problem is that the outlet acts like a switch. When you plug something into the outlet, the outside light turns on, but when you unplug the light goes off. We have been trying to figure out why this is happening. Everything is wired correctly, but for some reason the electricity bypasses the switch and turns on the light. Help...
    medic-dan's Avatar
    medic-dan Posts: 321, Reputation: 23
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    #2

    Nov 20, 2009, 10:06 AM

    Most likely your switch, while it may have had a black and white wire, was wired in what is known as a "switch loop." The white was not a neutral, it is actually part of the "hot" line. It should have been marked black or red so that you'd know.

    When you plug something in, you complete the circuit, in series, so your light comes on.

    How many wires come into the switch box you added the outlet to? What do they go to?
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