Replies

1. 
   Dinosaur | Jun 21, 2005 07:21am | #1

   This could be easy or not, depending on where the power comes in and whether snaking is possible or if you have to bust up some gyprock.

   If the power comes into the outlet box and there's a switch leg going off to the wall switch, very easy.

   1. Split the outlet by breaking off the little tab on the hot side which is meant for that purpose.
   2. Run a jumper from the wirenut where the hot meets the switchleg to the upper (or lower; your choice) screw post on the outlet body.
   3. Connect the return wire from the switchleg to the other hot screw post.
   4. Connect the neutral to the common neutral bus (use either screw post)
   5. Connect the grounds
   6. close it all up.

   If the power comes into the switch box, you're going to have to snake a separate hot to the outlet box. The easiest way to snake this might be-- depending on the wall configuration etc etc--to use the existing 14/2 to pull a new run of 14/3. It could also be a real major PITA....

   But whatever way you do it, you need to get (1) a switched hot; (2) an unswitched hot; and (3) a neutral into the outlet box. Once that's accomplished:

   1. Split the outlet
   2. Connect the switched hot to one screw post
   3. Connect the unswitched hot to the other screw post
   4. Connect the neutral to the common neutral bus
   5. Connect the ground

   Dinosaur

   A day may come when the courage of men fails,when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship...

   

   But it is not this day.

2. 
   JeffBuck | Jun 22, 2005 12:25am | #2

   "If I need to, I will replace the outlet."

    

   this seems like a good point for someone to say ...

   Call an electrician.

    

   Jeff

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

1. 
   user-513685 | Jun 22, 2005 01:02am | #3

   "this seems like a good point for someone to say ...

   Call an electrician."

    

   LOL...thanks for your support. I only asked because when I was researching this, I came across sites that were selling outlets for this exact purpose and I thought "That can't be right, you should be able to do this with a regular outlet." I have changed many outlets, switches and fixtures before, however, this will be the first time I am trying this. Thanks to whomever explained what I need to do.

1. 
   Piffin | Jun 22, 2005 01:10am | #4

   It's in the wiring, not the recepticle. You need a 14-3 feeding it 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

2. 
   BillHartmann | Jun 22, 2005 03:52am | #5

   If they where selling outlets just for this, then they where more than just a receptacle.X-10 controls are the sort.Which can do a lot of fancy things. And handy if you can "easily" get a cable from the switch to the receptacle.

3. 
   JeffBuck | Jun 22, 2005 05:54am | #6

   U sure you don't mean an "outlet" that is both a switch and a receptical?

   The "switch" part of those doesn't necessarily operate the outlet it's attached to.

   Just a way of using a single box/cover plate for dual purpose.

   View Image

    

   Is "this" what ya saw? The phone ans. machine plugs in ... (constant hot) ...

   and the switch works the light outside the door. I forget what was there when we bought the place ... a switch or a plug ... but I borrowed constant hot from one to make it all fit without cutting thru the old plaster.

    

   Jeff

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

   Edited 6/21/2005 10:55 pm ET by JEFF J. BUCK

3. 
   JohnSprung | Jun 23, 2005 01:45am | #7

   The replies so far have assumed you have Romex.  If you have EMT or black pipe with individual wires in it, pulling is lots easier.

    

   -- J.S.

    

4. 
   seeyou | Jun 23, 2005 02:53am | #8

   Can anyone explain how I can go about doing this?

   It's actually pretty easy to do, but there's a catch..........................................

   REMEMBER THE BOSTON BATWANGER.