Stop!

Always turn off power to the circuits you are working on—and remember that there are two circuits in the case of some split-circuit receptacles. Double-check at the project site before and after removing the cover plate to make sure the power is off.

In some localities, a split-circuit receptacle in a kitchen is required by code.

Photo courtesy of Thomas J. Story

Where & When to Use Them

This is a good arrangement for a series of receptacles above a workbench, where you may plug two heavy-use tools or appliances into the same receptacle. Because the two plugs are on different circuits, they will not cause a circuit overload. Some local codes require this arrangement (rather than GFCI receptacles) for the receptacles above a kitchen counter.

Another reason for wiring the receptacle this way is so that one outlet is always on and the other is controlled by a switch. For example, in a bedroom with no overhead light, this allows you to turn a lamp on and off with a wall switch, while using the other outlet as a more typical always-on house outlet.

The following photos are courtesy of Sunset Books You Can Build: Wiring.

Remove cover plate

• Shut off the power and test the receptacle
• Unscrew cover plate and set it aside

Label the wires

• Pull out the receptacle without removing the wires
• Label each wire to show how it should be connected to the new one
• Undo wires and remove the receptacle

Grab tab with pliers

• The connecting tab is located between the two hot terminals of the new receptacle
• Use needle-nose pliers to get a good grip

Break the tab

• Bend tab back and forth to weaken it
• When it bends easily, give it a twist to break it

Wire new receptacle

• Attach the ground wire
• Follow labels to attach the neutral and hot wires

Attach new cover plate

• Restore power and test the outlets

For more information, visit www.oxmoorhouse.com

Editor's Note: Excerpted by permission of Sunset Publishing Corporation from You Can build: Wiring, published March 1, 2009 by Sunset Books.