How to Wire a Switched Outlet

I show how to wire a switched outlet with NM Cable.

Shut off the power before you remove the old outlet. Break the tab that connects the two screws on the brass screws. Connect the hot wires to the brass screws and the neutral wire or wires to the silver screws.

A new code requires a neutral wire to the switch box unless the wire is in a raceway or easily accessible without removing drywall.

[timothy____]

Also note: only break off the tab on the hot (black wire, brass colored screws) side. Leave the white wire side bridge tab in place. I found out the hard way. 🤦🏼‍♂️. Thanks for the great video!

[theHAL]

Good camera angle, helpful precise and clear narration, and ... no background music. And all in less than 3 minutes. Perfect. Thanks!

[kitylail]

Thank you, straight up and to the point. I am female, with a son who has aspergers. Your video really helped alot. And ty for telling me about the podcast.

[Chilly]

Thank you! In all the other videos and diagrams - not a single person mentioned the bridge being there, didn't even cross my mind. All fixed and working perfect.

[youngnna]

Wow, that worked! Only thing I got stuck on was what to do with the other white wire from the breaker box. After looking at the video a few times I realized you wired it like a normal outlet on the bottom silver screw. Thanks so much!

[darrellparkhill]

THIS is the video I have been looking for!

I love it when tradesmen like yourself share their knowledge with the masses. Thank you very much!

[JJ-gqse]

Thank you for your video I was looking at a few and they had me confused your video was directly to the point thank you keep up the good work

[josjo]

thank you much, you were the only one on the video that actually explain while you are doing the actual wirk, , , I am soooo glad I found you, ..in a few moments i will attemp to break that tap and re-wire...when I turn off the switch, my entire living room comes on and when I turn ON, everything turns off and my fuse box goes am very tired but i think I still have that tab i will look at it again...Appreciated.

[davideschbaugh]

After replacing outlets in my son's room, I was about to head to the hardware store for the "correct" outlet. Figured I would check YouTube first. This was the first video I watched and had the "break the tab" that I needed to make everything work. Well done!

[jaydeville]

Man... lifesaver.... been pulling my hair out for about 2 hours.... You’re GREATLY appreciated thanks

[Matthew-mwnf]

Just used your video. Thank you. I did everything right but didn't know about that little metal plate at the end. That's all I needed.

[JohnPRyan]

I just replaced 3 rooms worth of outlets and couldn't for the life of me figure out why the wall switches stopped working ... it was that little tab! Thanks so much for this video!

[wadecallison]

Thank you! I couldn’t figure out why the switch no longer worked after replacing the outlet. Who knew there was a tab I had to break off. Thank you.

[mezzodave]

Such a good teacher. I didn’t notice the breathing until I read the comments lol. I hope you’re doing well!

[FSAUDIOGUY]

I was rigging an over the sink light in my basement, had never done pig-tail before. Worked perfectly! TY SIR! Salute from an old Marine :)

[MrJort]

I just had an outlet replaced and then my switch wasn’t working. Your video helped me realize they didn’t break off that little tab. Opened everything up myself and fixed the issue. It was driving me crazy not knowing the issue. Thanks for that great explanation.

[nismocanada]

Thanks for the tip, I couldn't break the tab, but your tip/demonstration at 1:55 made it easy!!

[ryanschenk]

Finally found a tutorial that was straightforward and to the point while giving me exactly what I needed. Thank you!

[tiolocomike]

Wondering why the light switch stopped working after installing a new outlet, until I removed the metal connecting tab. Priceless information. Thank You!

[debbiewang]

Thanks!! You saved my brain!! I was so confused why the light switch stopped working after I changed outlets!