Switching Up Outlets: B&K Electric Guide, Warwick

How To Wire A Switch To Control 2 Outlets

As a responsible homeowner, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how the electrical system in your home works. This includes knowing how to wire a switch to control outlets, as it can be a handy skill to have for simple tasks such as turning on a lamp or powering a small appliance. Whether you’re in the process of remodeling your home or simply looking to make some small improvements, knowing how to wire a switch can save you time and money. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the process of wiring a switch to control two outlets and provide expert tips from B&K Electric, a trusted electrical business in Warwick, RI.

Located in the zip code 02908 Elmhurst Providence County, Rhode Island, B&K Electric is a family-owned and operated electrical business with over seventeen years of experience in the industry. We pride ourselves on our strong ties to the local community and our commitment to providing top-notch customer service. Our team of licensed electricians has been proudly serving residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island with our specialized services in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and experienced electrician in the Warwick area and greater Providence area, look no further than B&K Electric.

Wiring a switch to control two outlets may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done easily and safely. Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that it should only be attempted by someone who feels confident in their understanding of electricity and has experience working with electrical wiring. It’s always best to contact a licensed electrician for more complex tasks and to ensure your safety.

First and foremost, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and materials. This includes a voltage tester, wire strippers, a screwdriver, electrical tape, wire connectors, and the switch and outlet you will be installing. Once you have all of these items, you can begin the process.

The first step is to locate the switch box where you want to install the switch. You will need to cut off the power to this switch by turning off the corresponding circuit breaker in your electrical panel. To be extra cautious, you can also use a voltage tester to ensure there is no electrical current. Next, remove the switch cover and take out the existing switch, exposing the wires.

Before proceeding, make sure to familiarize yourself with the color-coded wires. The black wire is the hot wire, the white wire is the neutral wire, and the green or copper wire is the ground wire. It’s important to note that the colors of the wires may vary depending on the age and type of wiring in your home, so it’s best to use a voltage tester to ensure which wire is which.

To begin wiring the switch, you will need to attach the black wire to the top brass screw on the switch. You can do this by stripping the ends of the wires with your wire strippers and wrapping it clockwise around the screw, then tightening the screw to secure the wire. Next, connect the white wires together and the ground wires together using wire connectors.

At this point, you can insert the switch back into the box, making sure the wires are not touching each other. Once it’s securely in place, you can attach the switch cover and turn the power back on. Using your voltage tester, ensure that the switch has been properly wired and is working before moving on to wiring the outlets.

The next step is to connect the outlets to the switch. Using your wire strippers, strip off the ends of the black and white wires, leaving about half an inch of bare wire exposed. Attach the black wires to the brass screws on one side of the outlet and the white wires to the silver screws on the other side. Make sure to tighten the screws securely. Then, connect the ground wires to the green screw on the outlet.

Once everything is connected, you can insert the outlets back into their designated box, making sure the wires are not touching and everything is secure. Finally, attach the outlet cover and turn the power back on to test the outlets. Congratulations, you have successfully wired a switch to control two outlets!

Knowing how to wire a switch to control two outlets is a valuable skill for any homeowner to have. However, it’s important to proceed with caution and ensure your safety by contacting a licensed electrician for more complex tasks. With the guidance and expertise of B&K Electric in Warwick, RI, you can feel confident in your electrical knowledge and skills. For all of your electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation needs, trust the experienced team at B&K Electric.

Topics:

wiring a switch,

controlling outlets,

safety precautions