Wiring a Switch for 2 Outlets: A Homeowner’s Guide

How To Wire A Switch To Control 2 Outlets

For homeowners in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, finding a reliable and trusted electrician is essential. That’s where B&K Electric comes in. We are a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, with deep roots in the community. Our team of licensed electricians has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years.

At B&K Electric, we specialize in a variety of services, including electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. We take pride in being your go-to electrician for both residential and commercial properties in the Warwick area and the greater Providence area. In this article, we will be discussing how to wire a switch to control 2 outlets, providing homeowners with the knowledge and guidance they need to tackle this electrical project with confidence.

Before we dive into the specifics of wiring a switch to control 2 outlets, it’s important to first understand the basics of a switch and an outlet. A switch is a device that allows you to control the flow of electricity to a specific area of your home by flipping it on or off. In contrast, an outlet is a point in a home’s electrical system that allows you to plug in appliances and devices to access electricity. Outlets typically have two slots for prongs and a round hole for the grounding pin.

Now that we have a basic understanding of what a switch and an outlet are, let’s explore the steps involved in wiring a switch to control 2 outlets.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Materials

The first step in any electrical project is to gather all the necessary materials. For this project, you will need a double-pole switch, 14-gauge electrical wire, wire strippers, a wire cutter, a flathead screwdriver, and a voltage tester. It’s essential to use the correct wire gauge and type to ensure the safety and functionality of your switch and outlets.

Step 2: Turn Off the Power

Before starting any electrical work, always make sure to turn off the power to the area where you will be working. This will prevent any accidents or electrical shocks. To be extra cautious, use a voltage tester to ensure that the power is completely off before continuing with the project.

Step 3: Remove the Old Switch and Outlet

With the power turned off, carefully remove the old switch and outlet from the wall using a flathead screwdriver. Make sure to keep the wires intact as you will be reusing them for your new switch and outlets.

Step 4: Strip the Wires

Using wire strippers, remove the outer insulation from the electrical wires, leaving about 1/2 inch of wire exposed. It’s essential to be precise with this step to ensure a secure and safe connection.

Step 5: Connect the Wires to the Switch

Take the black wire from the 14-gauge electrical wire and attach it to one of the brass screws on the switch. The white wire from the same 14-gauge electrical wire should be connected to the silver screw on the switch. Repeat this process for the remaining wires, making sure to connect them to the correct screws.

Step 6: Connect the Wires to the Outlets

With the wires connected to the switch, it’s time to move on to the outlets. Take the black wire coming from the switch and connect it to the gold screw on one of the outlets. Then, take the white wire and connect it to the silver screw on the same outlet. Repeat this process for the second outlet, connecting the wires to the corresponding screws.

Step 7: Attach the Ground Wires

Using a wire cutter, remove a small piece of insulation from the end of the remaining green or copper wire. Then, wrap the exposed wire around the green screw on each outlet and tighten the screw securely. This will provide a grounding connection for your outlets, which is essential for safety.

Step 8: Attach the Switch to the Wall

With all the wires connected, carefully attach the switch to the wall using the screws provided. Make sure the switch is level and secure.

Step 9: Test the Outlets

Before turning the power back on, use a voltage tester to confirm that there are no electrical currents running through your newly wired switch and outlets. Once you have confirmed that everything is safe, you can turn the power back on and test your outlets to make sure they are functioning correctly.

Congratulations, you have successfully wired a switch to control 2 outlets! This is a great way to have control over which outlet receives electricity, making it perfect for plugging in appliances or electronics that you only want to use occasionally.

When it comes to electrical work, it’s always essential to hire a licensed electrician for safety and quality assurance. However, with the right materials and following these steps, homeowners can successfully wire a switch to control 2 outlets. Thank you for choosing B&K Electric for all your electrical needs.

Topics:

electrical wiring,

switch installation,

outlet installation