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I have an outlet wired to a switch. While changing outlet I discovered that there were 6 wires: 1 red, 1 black, 2 white, 1 ground and 1 black back wired. Is this normal? also the outlet does not work. Thanks

Square Eye

There are 2 possibilities there but more than likely, the blacks should be wired together under the same gold screw on the back of the receptacle, then the red should be under the other gold screw. (white wires under the silver screws) There is a small tab that connects both top and bottom receptacles together, usually this tab is broken off and then the receptacle with the red wire is switched, the other is always on. If it's not working at all, the problem could still be anywhere in the circuit.

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speedy petey

Yes, sounds typical of a switched receptacle.


Did it ever work? Did you flip the switch?

kok328

No this is NOT normal even w/a dual circuit outlet. Get someone in there that can physically inspect what you have going on. DO NOT take any action based on statements that read "more than likely", "probably", "could be", "maybe", etc....

Parrothead

What's not normal about it? There's a hot, neutral, and switched leg going in, and a hot and neutral going out.

I like SquareEye's advice, except please don't put more than one wire on a screw. Wirenut them together along with a pigtail, and wire the pigtail to the screw.

triple D

Like speedy asked, did it work at any time you have lived there. And I'm just going to assume since you said it was wired to a switch, that you did try that switch? And yes the way wiring is hooked to plug is perfect and to code in all 50 I'm 50 mi. north of you, hi neighbor! If it comes down to it, I know an electrician

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