Switched Outlet Wiring

Do you often find yourself plugging in multiple devices into one outlet, only to lose power or blow a fuse? This is a common issue for many homeowners, especially those living in older homes. The solution to this problem lies in switched outlet wiring, a simple yet effective electrical strategy that can greatly improve the functionality and convenience of your home’s power supply.

As a homeowner in the beautiful town of Washington Park, Providence, Rhode Island, you may be familiar with the electrical services offered by B&K Electric. But for those who are new to the area, B&K Electric is a reputable family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI. We have been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years, specializing in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation.

At B&K Electric, we understand the importance of community and providing exceptional customer service. Our team of experienced and licensed electricians is dedicated to meeting the electrical needs of our clients in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. With this in mind, we offer a range of services, from troubleshooting and repair to panel upgrades and rewiring, to ensure that your home’s electrical system is up to code and functioning at its best.

One of the many services we offer is switched outlet wiring, a technique that is often overlooked but can significantly improve the overall functionality and safety of your home’s electrical system. Let’s take a closer look at what switched outlet wiring is and why it’s beneficial for homeowners.

What is Switched Outlet Wiring?

Simply put, switched outlet wiring allows for control of an outlet through a wall switch, instead of only through the outlet itself. This means that you can easily turn on and off the power supply to an outlet by simply flipping a switch, rather than physically unplugging devices. This is especially useful for outlets that are located behind large furniture or in hard-to-reach areas. With switched outlet wiring, you can easily control the power supply without having to rearrange your furniture or stretch to reach the outlet.

How does Switched Outlet Wiring Work?

Switched outlets consist of three wires – a black or red “hot” wire, a white “neutral” wire, and a green or bare copper “ground” wire. The hot wire brings in the electricity, the neutral wire carries it back out, and the ground wire provides a safe path for any excess electricity. In a standard outlet, the hot wire is connected to one side of the outlet, while the neutral and ground wires are connected to the other side. This allows for continuous power supply to the outlet, unless it is physically unplugged.

In a switched outlet, the black or red wire is connected to one side of the outlet and the white wire to the other. But instead of the hot wire being connected directly to the outlet, it is wired through a switch. This switch can be located on the wall or installed within the outlet itself. When the switch is turned on, it allows the hot wire to supply electricity to the outlet, powering any devices plugged into it. When the switch is turned off, it stops the flow of electricity and the outlet is no longer live.

Benefits of Switched Outlet Wiring

1. Improved Convenience and Accessibility

As mentioned earlier, switched outlet wiring allows you to easily control the power supply to an outlet without having to physically unplug devices or rearrange furniture. This is particularly useful for outlets that are not easily accessible, such as those located behind a bed or a heavy piece of furniture.

2. Energy Savings

Switched outlet wiring also allows you to easily turn off power to unused devices, resulting in potential energy savings and cost reduction on your electricity bill. This is especially beneficial for devices that have standby power, such as TVs and computers, as even when not in use, they continue to draw power if left plugged in.

3. Increased Safety

Having the ability to easily turn off power to an outlet can also improve the safety of your home. In case of an electrical malfunction or if a device needs to be unplugged quickly, having a switch to cut off power can help prevent accidents and electric shocks.

4. Flexibility in Design and Use

Switched outlet wiring also offers flexibility in design and use. You can choose to have one or more outlets connected to a single switch, allowing you to control multiple outlets with just one switch. This works well for lamps or a series of outlets in a room. You can also opt to have half of the outlet switched and the other half always live, giving you the best of both worlds.

To conclude

In summary, switched outlet wiring is a simple but highly beneficial electrical strategy that can greatly improve the functionality and convenience of your home. With the expertise and experience of B&K Electric, you can easily have switched outlet wiring installed in your home, adding to the overall efficiency and safety of your electrical system.

So, whether you’re looking to upgrade your home’s electrical system or simply need a repair, make B&K Electric your go-to electrician for your home in the Washington Park and greater Providence Area. We’re committed to providing quality services with a focus on customer satisfaction and safety. Contact us today for all your electrical needs.

Topics:

Switched Outlet Wiring, Electrical Services, Homeowner Convenience