Master the Art of Controlling Multiple Outlets

How To Wire A Switch To Control 2 Outlets

Are you a homeowner in East Providence, Rhode Island (zip code 02906) looking for a licensed electrician to assist with your electrical needs? Look no further than B&K Electric – a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI. With a strong focus on community and customer service, our team of experienced 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 electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation for both residential and commercial properties. If you’re looking to wire a switch to control 2 outlets in your home, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will guide you through the process step by step, ensuring that your switch and outlets are wired safely and efficiently.

Before we dive into the technicalities, it’s important to understand why wiring a switch to control 2 outlets may be a good choice for your home. This setup allows you to control both outlets with just one switch, saving you the hassle of having to manually turn them on and off separately. It also ensures that both outlets are powered by the same switch, providing ease of use and consistency in power supply.

To ensure that your switch and outlets are wired correctly, here’s a step-by-step guide from the experts at B&K Electric:

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

For this project, you will need a few essential tools and materials. These include a screwdriver, wire cutter, wire stripper, electrical tape, a voltage tester, and wire nuts. As for materials, you will need a single-pole switch, a 12/2 NM (non-metallic) cable with ground, and two outlets.

Step 2: Turn off the Power

Before starting any electrical work, it’s crucial to turn off the power for your own safety. Locate the circuit breaker that controls the power for the outlets you will be working on, and switch it off. Use a voltage tester to ensure that there is no power running to the outlets before proceeding.

Step 3: Install the Switch

Using your screwdriver, remove the cover plate of the existing switch. Then, remove the switch from the junction box and disconnect the wires from it. Next, install the new single-pole switch according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will involve connecting the black wire from the cable to the brass terminal on the switch, and the white wire to the silver terminal. Use a wire nut to connect the ground wire to the green terminal.

Step 4: Prepare the Cable for the Outlets

Take the 12/2 NM cable and strip approximately 8 inches of the sheathing at both ends. Then, strip about ¾ inch of insulation from each of the three wires inside – black, white, and ground. It is crucial to strip the wires evenly to avoid any issues with connectivity.

Step 5: Connect the Black Wire to the Switch

With the switch in the off position, use a wire nut to connect the black wire from the cable to the wire coming from the brass terminal on the switch. This will ensure that both outlets are controlled by the same switch.

Step 6: Connect the White Wire to the Outlets

Using wire nuts, connect the white wire from the cable to the silver screws on both outlets. This will complete the circuit for both outlets, providing them with a neutral connection.

Step 7: Connect the Ground Wire

Once again, use wire nuts to connect the ground wire from the cable to the green screw on both outlets. This will provide a safe path for any excess electrical current.

Step 8: Test the Setup

Before turning the power back on, use a voltage tester to ensure that all connections are secure and that there is no power running to the outlets. Once you’ve confirmed everything is in order, you can turn the power back on.

And voila, you have successfully wired a switch to control 2 outlets!

Wiring a switch to control 2 outlets may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be a simple and rewarding project. However, if you do not feel comfortable handling electrical work on your own, it is always best to seek the help of a licensed electrician. At B&K Electric, we are always happy to provide our expertise and services to ensure that your electrical needs are met safely and efficiently.

For all your electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation needs, make us your go-to electrician in the Warwick and greater Providence areas. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer service and satisfaction, and we guarantee that you will receive top-quality work from our experienced team.

So if you’re a homeowner in the residential industry looking for reliable and professional electrical services, look no further than B&K Electric. We’ve got you covered from start to finish.

Topics:

Wiring,

Outlet Control,

Switch Installation