I was replacing some switches today and have a problem with one switch (single pole) which controls the top receptacle on two outlets on the other side of the room. There is one other outlet that I believe is in line with these switches though this one is not controlled by the light switch.
Working left to right, I replaced the switch, the outlet not controlled be the light switch, and the next outlet which is controlled by the light switch. The next outlet has not been replaced and has a light plugged into it. The problem is the light is now always on regardless of the switch being on or off.
I double checked the connections, then tried putting the old switch back in but nothing changed. Obviously I might have wired one of the outlets incorrectly, though I always do one wire at a time in an effort not to miswire. Any ideas on what / how I should trouble shoot this? Also, all outlets / receptacles are live and unaffected by the switch.
Thanks!
Replies
Kelly1,
If you have wired them the same as the previous receptacles,it sounds like you need to break the little tab off between the hot screws on the switched receptacles ( should be the copper/ brass colored side of the receptacle). That separates the top and bottom of the receptacle.
Dennis
Edited 11/3/2007 10:23 pm ET by northeastvt
I definitely forgot all about that! But I guess it still a little confusing. After I do this to the switch I replaced, this should correct the last switch in the line which I've not replaced?
Regardless, I still need to fix per your catch. Thanks!
Kelly,
The switch should be fine, on the two switched receptacles there is a little tab that sticks out between the screws, that connects them, bend it back and forth a few times and it will break off. If that is still in there the hot side is feeding the switched side and not letting the switch do it's job.
Dennis
Kelley,
Just do that on the outlet you replaced, that was switched, the other one should be fine.
Dennis
Thanks again.
Kelly,
And don't forget to shut the power off first :)
Dennis
You didn't break the tab on the new outlet.
Just thought I should confirm that breaking the tab was indeed the issue. Thanks!