Electrical – Outlet wiring & single pole switch

electricalwiring

I have a 10 x 10 bedroom. One single pole switch, four 15 amp outlets sitting on a 20 amp circuit breaker. Each of the four outlets (typical double receptacles) — 1, 2, 2, 3 and 4 are "hot" i.e. the single pole with has no effect. Outlet 1 has a red wire. Outlets 2, 3 and 4 are wired with white and black…no red wires.

If I want to have Outlet 2's top receptacle be operated by the pole switch do I simply break/remove the black terminals connector plate (not sure proper term) between the black terminals and it will work in on/off mode with the switch ?

Thank you in advance for taking this "newbie" question.

Ross

Best Answer

Unfortunately, no. That red wire is the key. Half-switched outlets need an always hot wire and a switched hot wire. Outlet 1 has that (black and red), but outlet 2 does not. You would need to run another cable to Outlet 2.