To identify a switched (split) outlet, they are usually rotated 180 degrees from the orientation of the other outlets.

Diagrams shown on this page are simplified for clarity. Electrical outlet boxes can have numerous NM cables going in and out. See Actual Switch Box Wiring Diagram.

Outlet ground connection diagram is shown separately.

Switched (Split) Outlet Wiring Diagram

Switched (Split) Outlet Option Wiring Diagram

Switched and Split Outlet Wiring

Alternate Split Receptacle Wiring Diagram

In this diagram, a 2-wire NM cable supplies a line from the electrical panel to the switch outlet box. The black wire (line) connects to a switch terminal and the black wire of a 3-wire NM cable that travels to the split outlet box. The white wire (neutral) connects to the white wire of the 3-wire NM.

A 3-wire NM cable connects from the switch box to the split outlet box. The black wire carries a line to the “always hot” half of the split outlet. The white wire carries neutral to the neutral pins of all of the outlets in the chain. The red wire carries a switched line to the switched half of the split outlet.

A 2-wire NM cable connects line and neutral from the split outlet box to the other outlets to the end of the chain.

In this diagram, a 2-wire NM cable supplies line voltage from the electrical panel to the split outlet box. The black wire (line) connects to half of the split outlet (always hot) and two other NM cables.

A 2-wire NM cable connects from the split outlet box to the switch box. The white wire (with black tape) carries a line to the switch. The black wire carries the switched line from the switch back to the other half of the split outlet (switched line).

A 2-wire NM cable connects line and neutral from the split outlet box to the other outlets to the end of the chain.