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I would google this myself but I can't seem to figure out what terms to use...
In our new home we have two wall switches as you come in the door. One is to the ceiling fan and works fine. The other - I assume - turns one of the outlets on and off.
Thing is - it doesn't seem to work in any outlet we've tried.
Now, the previous owner had two wall mounted lights on either side of her bed. They were plug ins, not direct wired. I *suspect* that she, for some odd reason, had the wall switch disabled to use these lights.
I'm *not* skilled in electrical work so I don't know what to look for. How does one tell which outlet is connected to the wall switch?
Knowing it works is only half.
Knowing how it works is even better. Here's a very rudimentary schematic of a switched receptacle
The one part that is missing from the diagram is the "broken tab" on the hot side of the recepticale. Breaking the tab makes both receptacles independent- one switched, one constant.
I have a healthy respect for electricity. I'm happy to understand but would call a professional to deal with problems. Thankfully this was just a case of ignorance!
Knowing it works is only half.
Knowing how it works is even better. Here's a very rudimentary schematic of a switched receptacle
The one part that is missing from the diagram is the "broken tab" on the hot side of the recepticale. Breaking the tab makes both receptacles independent- one switched, one constant.
KB,
ISTM that that drawing does not show the "broken tab" because the UNswitched black is not connected to its side of the outlet. As drawn, the switch controls both outlets of the duplex receptacle .
ISTM that that drawing does not show the "broken tab" because the UNswitched black is not connected to its side of the outlet. As drawn, the switch controls both outlets of the duplex receptacle .
I just knew somebody was going to bring this up!
That's why I specifically said "rudimentary drawing" & "broken tab".
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