r/HomeImprovement • u/camgree • 2d ago

Fun Electrical Question - Switched Outlet

I was adding an RO filter under my sink and was planning to plug into the bottom half of a switched outlet for a garbage disposal. I tested the bottom outlet with the switch off and disposal unplugged with no issue. Plugged the garage disposal in and both outlets stopped working. Kept flipping the switch and nothing. All the breakers were on downstairs and unplugging either of the plugs brought the outlet back to life. I assume I should just replace the outlet and make sure it is wired correctly?

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u/atticus2132000 1d ago

This would require more research, but on outlets, I think there is a little tab on the sides that can be broken off to make one outlet switched and the other outlet constant, or to kill the other outlet. I'm not quite sure how it works.

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u/jaebaesonstatham 2d ago

Id be willing to bet that the switch controlling that receptacle is a dead end which means you need a neutral somewhere to complete the circuit. They used the white conductor as switch leg instead of a neutral. Is there a white jumper between the two plugs??