Wiring for switched, split power outlets
 

Hello,

Me again from my new house!

Our master bedroom has a wall switch that controls two entire power outlets...four receptacles in total. I think this is a bit much!

I want to split both of the outlets (so the top receptacles are swithced and the bottom receptacles have constant power), but tapping into an existing hot line in the bedroom doesn't look too easy.

My solution, I think, is to tap into a constantly hot line from the attice above my garage, which happens to be adjacent to my bedroom wall in question. I can use this line to provide power to the bottom receptacles.

Does anyone know if this is prudent/within code to sort of wire this from behind the wall like that?

THANKS!

Eric

Tell us the number and color of wires in the boxes and we may be able to tell you an easier way to do it.

Thanks!
 

Thanks jbfan....i knew i was forgetting something. I don't remember the exact number of wires off hand, but when i pulled the plates off, i remember thinking "I don't have enough in here to carry the constant power". That's why i came up with my garage attic plan! I think it was just the wire coming from the switch, but i will definitely get in there further tomorrow and post a followup.

Thanks again...stay tuned for the followup.

Eric

You need to find a source of hot power on the same circuit. Otherwise you will have issues with the neutral.

the easiest thing to do would be to run 12-3 or 14-3 from the wall switch to each recepticle wall box, and abandon the 12-2 or 14-2 that is there now.

any other way will open up a can of worms that it would be no fun to work around.

Another option is to just add two new duplex recs from that other circuit.

Thanks!
 

Thanks guys....makes MUCH more sense now. I think I have what I need to get this done correctly. Much appreciated!

By code you can't have power from more than one source (same breaker) in the same box.

Can you provide us with a code reference to that please?

Not true, in most circumstances.

I regularly have 3 circuits in a 3 gang box.

the code does say that two circuits on the same yoke need to be handle tied.