I have an electrical outlet that is tied to a wall switch. ...

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Question by RJP
Submitted on 4/1/2004
Related FAQ: Electrical Wiring FAQ (Part 1 of 2)
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I have an electrical outlet that is tied to a wall switch. Is there a way to have one half of the outlet always hot and the other half switched?

Answer by joe r b
Submitted on 5/22/2004
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YES THERE IS, YOU NEED TO BREAK THE METAL TAB BETWEEN THE SCREW TERMINALS ON THE RECEPTACLE. THIS ISOLATES THE TWO SINGLE RECEPTACLES AND YOU CAN SWITCH TH HOT LEG FOR ONE OF THEM.

Answer by Fried
Submitted on 1/28/2006
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Yes. Breaking the tab between the two screw terminals will work. However, not sure why it happens, but the circuit goes dead for some reason on ocassion (once/twice month). Breakers ok, wall switch ok. As soon as I plug in a an outlet tester everything is fine) Guess this is a question, and not so much an answer.

Answer by tattoo
Submitted on 2/9/2007
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where is the other side going to get its hot if you cut the tab ? ...... the outlet has a switch leg from the switch, you must check to see if the hot is in the outlet box or at the switch if it is at the switch then the other side of the outlet will need a hot. if it is in the outlet box then you can make a pig tail and give it a hot .close joe r b but not right

Answer by PurpleEagle
Submitted on 6/22/2007
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if you have a plug and a switch together, will the switch control the plug , if you wanted to?

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