Black White and Red

CTH · 04-01-2008, 07:35 PM

I have wiring that I'm trying to connect to an outlet that has a hot black, hot red, and neutral white. My outlet screws are gold, silver and green. What goes where? I'm used to black, white, and copper. I would prefer this to be a grounded outlet - is that a possibility?

Thanks in advance for any help.

jerryh3 · 04-01-2008, 07:43 PM

Is this outlet(either top or bottom) controlled by a wall switch?

Jim Port · 04-01-2008, 07:53 PM

Did you remove a recpetacle that was there previously? Is the tab between to 2 brass screws missing?

Red can be used as a switched hot or to feed a switch.

CTH · 04-01-2008, 07:53 PM

Yes it is connected to a wall switch. I removed a light that was there several years ago and capped the wires until I finished a lengthy remodel, and I'm finally getting back to the outdoor lighting. I don't remember the colors of the old light's wires. The outlet is new, so the bridge (tab) is still in place on the outlet.

jerryh3 · 04-01-2008, 09:38 PM

White: silver screw
Black: Brass screw(top or bottom depending on which one you want switched)
Red: Other brass screw.
Bare: ground
Break tab between the two brass screws.
If you have a volt meter, I would test before you hook it up though.

http://www.electrical-online.com/wir...doutletsp1.htm

CTH · 04-01-2008, 11:04 PM

Thanks for your help - but one problem - there's no bare wire to use for the ground. Does this mean that I just won't be able to use any electrical eqipment that needs a three prong outlet?

220/221 · 04-02-2008, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Does this mean that I just won't be able to use any electrical eqipment that needs a three prong outlet?

You cannot legally install a 3 pronged outlet on a non grounded system.

The ground pin will go nowhere and will not provide your "safety" ground.

One option is to install a GFCI outlet, but it will not be 1/2 switched and you would cap off the red wire. Also they are tough to stuff into old small boxes.

Another option would be to install a GFCI breaker to protect the entire circuit. Then you could install the 3 hole outlet.

04-01-2008, 07:35 PM	#1
CTH Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3	Black White and Red I have wiring that I'm trying to connect to an outlet that has a hot black, hot red, and neutral white. My outlet screws are gold, silver and green. What goes where? I'm used to black, white, and copper. I would prefer this to be a grounded outlet - is that a possibility? Thanks in advance for any help.

04-01-2008, 07:43 PM	#2
jerryh3 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 1,802	Black White and Red Is this outlet(either top or bottom) controlled by a wall switch?

04-01-2008, 07:53 PM	#3
Jim Port Licensed electrician Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,091	Black White and Red Did you remove a recpetacle that was there previously? Is the tab between to 2 brass screws missing? Red can be used as a switched hot or to feed a switch.

04-01-2008, 07:53 PM	#4
CTH Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3	Black White and Red Yes it is connected to a wall switch. I removed a light that was there several years ago and capped the wires until I finished a lengthy remodel, and I'm finally getting back to the outdoor lighting. I don't remember the colors of the old light's wires. The outlet is new, so the bridge (tab) is still in place on the outlet. Last edited by CTH; 04-01-2008 at 07:56 PM.

04-01-2008, 09:38 PM	#5
jerryh3 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 1,802	Black White and Red White: silver screw Black: Brass screw(top or bottom depending on which one you want switched) Red: Other brass screw. Bare: ground Break tab between the two brass screws. If you have a volt meter, I would test before you hook it up though. http://www.electrical-online.com/wir...doutletsp1.htm Last edited by jerryh3; 04-01-2008 at 09:44 PM.

Black White and Red