Switched and Split Outlets

Split Outlet Diagram

Neutral

Line

Tab is removed

Neutral terminal screws connected by metal tab

Split outlet rotated 180 deg from conventional orientation

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Switched Outlets

Switched outlets are commonly used for floor and table lamps that are operated by a switch. The switches are usually located near the entrance of a house or at the entrance of any of its rooms. Switched duplex outlets are normally rotated 180 degrees from the orientation of other outlets in the house for identification.

Split Outlets

A duplex outlet has removable metal tabs that electrically connect the two terminals together on each side of the outlet. A split outlet (also known as a half hot) has one or both tabs removed to isolate each terminal from the other and allow each half of the outlet to operate independently. In most cases, only the line tab is removed if each half of an outlet shares a neutral. Half of the outlet is connected to the switch and the other half is always hot.

If both tabs are removed, each side of the outlet can be on different circuits that do not share a neutral.

Switched and Split Outlet Wiring

Switched Outlet Diagram

This outlet is not split, the whole outlet is switched

Switched & Split Outlet, Same Circuit

The line side of the outlet is split. The top half is switched, the bottom has unswitched line voltage.

Switched & Split Outlet, Different Circuits

The line side of the outlet is split. The top half is switched A phase, the bottom has unswitched B phase line voltage.