Outlet Switch Wiring Diagrams

This page contains several diagrams for wiring a switch to control one or more receptacle outlets including a split receptacle and multiple outlets wired together.

The wiring in these diagrams is for 15 amp circuits and 14/2 awg cable however, existing light and receptacle circuits may be 15 or 20 amps. When working with 20 amp circuits use 12 gauge wire and 20 amp devices. When using the white cable wire to carry voltage, wrap it with electrical tape to mark it as hot.

Switch Loop to a Receptacle Outlet

This wiring diagram illustrates adding a switch to control an existing receptacle outlet. The source is at the receptacle and a switch loop is added to a new switch.

Switch to a Split Receptacle Outlet

This diagram illustrates wiring a switch to a split receptacle outlet with the source at the receptacle. The tab connecting the two hot terminals is removed to break the circuit between the top and bottom outlet. With this wiring scheme the top outlet is always hot and the bottom is controlled by a new switch.

Switch to a Receptacle

This wiring diagram illustrates a circuit with the source at a switch. The switch then controls a receptacle outlet coming after.

Switch to Multiple Receptacle Outlets

This diagram shows the wiring for a switch and multiple receptacles. The source for the circuit is at the switch and the outlets are wired from one to the next in a series arrangement.