How to Wire a Switched Outlet?
A switched outlet, sometimes referred to as a half-hot outlet, is an electrical outlet with one of the receptacles controlled by a wall switch. This allows to turn the power on and off the receptacle. At the same time, the other receptacle stays powered, making it possible to use it outside of the switch. In this blog, we discuss the basic requirements for wiring switched outlets, along with the types of cables used to wire them.
The applications of switched outlets include controlling lamps, fans, and other appliances with built-in switches. One of the most attractive benefits of switched outlets for the user is that it gives control over lighting and makes it easier to switch the devices on and off. Switched outlets are often installed in rooms and spaces with a flexible and functioning approach to lighting, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
How To Wire a Switched Outlet Step by Step
The basic principle of wiring a switched outlet is that one hot wire is connected to the switch while the other hot wire is connected to the receptacle that is always powered on. At the same time, the neutral wire remains connected to both receptacles, and the ground wire is connected to the grounding terminal located on the outlet.
- Turn off the power.
- Gather the appliances: What you need are a combination switch/receptacle, 14/2 or 12/2 electrical wire connectors, a screwdriver, a wire stripper, and a voltage tester.
- Prep the wires: To prepare the wires for the installation, you must strip approximately 6 inches of the outer sheathing off the electrical cable, then strip about 3/4-inch of insulation from the ends of the black (hot) and white (neutral) wires.
- Connect the wires: connect the black (hot) wire to the brass screw marked 'LINE' or 'HOT' on the switch, and connect the white (neutral) wire to the silver screw that says 'NEUTRAL' on the receptacle. If there's a green or bare copper ground wire, connect it to the green screw on the switch/receptacle.
- Connect the switch/receptacle to the outlet box: Use screws to achieve this task
- Install the wall plate: Attach the wall plate to the switch with the help of screws.
- Turn the power back and check if it is working correctly.
Which Size Wire For Switched Outlet? Types of Cables For Wiring Switched Outlets
Switched outlets are wired with regular interior residential wiring.
NM-B Wire: The most common cable for wiring a switched outlet is the NM-B wire. NM-B is by far the best cable for switched outlets. The cable is easy to install, affordable, widely available, and NEC-compliant.
The size of the NM-B cable used depends on the size of the switched outlet.
Common sizes of switched outlets are 15-Amp circuits and 20-Amp circuits.
- For a 15-Amp circuit, use a 14/2 NM-B cable.
- For a 20-Amp circuit, use a 12/2 NM-B cable.
In addition to the NM-B wire, you will have to use an extra black hot wire to connect the outlet to the switch.
Other Types Of Cables For Switched Outlet
Armored Cable (BX/AC Cable): The cable is suitable when additional protection is needed for switched outlets, such as when there is a heightened risk of mechanical damage in the building or proximity to rodents. The size choice for this cable is the same - 14/ 2 for the 15-Amp circuit and 12/2 for the 20-Amp circuit.
Metal-Clad Cable (MC Cable): In the context of the switched outlet, this cable will have a similar function to the armored cable described above and can be used similarly. MC cable can also be used if the outlet is located outside.
Individual THHN/THWN Wires in Conduit: THHN wires located in the conduit may be convenient to run for switched outlets in industrial settings.
UF-B Underground Feeder Cable is suitable for switched outside outlets because they have all appropriate outdoor ratings.
