Control top and bottom outlets of a duplex outlet separately

[bagged89s10]

Is this ok per electrical code? I would want both switches in the same box. These would control my overhead garage lighting. They are plug in led shop lights.

 

[dave*99]

If both switches are in the same box, then SW1 switches the red leg and SW2 switches the black leg. Only (1) 3 wire cable goes from the switchbox to the outlet.

 

[Norcal]

You can do it but if in a shop or garage, the receptacle must have GFCI protection.

 

[dw1]

You can do it but if in a shop or garage, the receptacle must have GFCI protection.

and be accessible!!

 

[bagged89s10]

What if I put a gfci at the beginning of the circuit?. I can install a 3 gang box, run the feed to the gfci, then run power to the switches. Or I can install a gfci breaker.

 

[dw1]

What if I put a gfci at the beginning of the circuit?. I can install a 3 gang box, run the feed to the gfci, then run power to the switches. Or I can install a gfci breaker.

Either way would work. GFI receptacle is cheaper

 

[bagged89s10]

Either way would work. GFI receptacle is cheaper

Yeah I think that's what I'll do. Shouldn't take me too long to wire it all up.

 

[justsam]

No need for a three gang box unless you just want to. There are dual switches available in both toggle, and decora types. Handles are horizontal.

You may want to use a blank face GFCI if you do not use a gfci breaker since this sounds like it is a lighting circuit only. If you provide an outlet, and a device with a fault is plugged in, you will lose your lights, a minor annoyance.

 

[Norcal]

A GFCI receptacle cannot be split wired like a regular receptacle.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If both switches are in the same box make sure the power feed goes into that box. Hot goes to one side of each switch. Black and red come off the other side and feed the separated hot screws on the receptacle.

If you are dealing with existing wiring where the feed goes to the receptacle box, you are going to need 4 wire (or 2 two wire) cables to your switch box (Hot, SW1 out, SW2 out, neutral).

 

[bagged89s10]

A GFCI receptacle cannot be split wired like a regular receptacle.

Not going to split a gfci. The outlets on the ceiling for the lights will be regular outlets.

No need for a three gang box unless you just want to. There are dual switches available in both toggle, and decora types. Handles are horizontal.



You may want to use a blank face GFCI if you do not use a gfci breaker since this sounds like it is a lighting circuit only. If you provide an outlet, and a device with a fault is plugged in, you will lose your lights, a minor annoyance.

Yes I can get dual toggle switches as well, and I will definitely go with a blank gfci since it will be a dedicated light circuit.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Yes I can get dual toggle switches as well, and I will definitely go with a blank gfci since it will be a dedicated light circuit.

If it is strictly lighting (the receptacle is in the ceiling) I don't think you need gfci.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If it is strictly lighting (the receptacle is in the ceiling) I don't think you need gfci.

All garage outlets are required to be GFCI protected.

 

[Norcal]

If it is strictly lighting (the receptacle is in the ceiling) I don't think you need gfci.

That statement is no longer valid and has not been for a number of NEC editions.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

Have you priced a 3 gang box> I know the metal ones are not cheap.

 

[Norcal]

Have you priced a 3 gang box> I know the metal ones are not cheap.

3 gang are not that bad, try a 6 gang, just the ring is $40 and that is not a typo.

 

[bagged89s10]

Have you priced a 3 gang box> I know the metal ones are not cheap.

My garage is finished so I'm using Non metallic cable and non metallic old work boxes. Those are cheap. I should have it wired up in the next few days

 

[CJ7VFR]

All garage outlets are required to be GFCI protected.

He could use a GFCI breaker in his garage sub-panel and then wire up a regular duplex receptacle and his switches off of that to achieve what he wants.

This would give him code compliance to GFCI and have control over each outlet via a separate switch.

Jim

 

[vtsoundman]

A GFCI receptacle cannot be split wired like a regular receptacle.

All garage outlets are required to be GFCI protected.

Happy to start a new thread, but this seems like it is germane to the discussion.

Some clarifying questions for split duplex :

1. Will code allow separate/split GFCI circuits on a split duplex?
Example : Single duplex on a kitchen counter / garage with two 20A GFCI circuits present using separate neutrals (not a MWBC). No handle tie on the BC breakers.
Answer : ?

2. Will code allow split duplex if a 2 pole GFCI breaker is used in a MWBC?
Answer: This is an acceptable workaround and is often used. Code mandates handle tie/2 pole breaker on MWBC split duplex for conventional circuits.

3. Does code mandate breaker handle tie / 2 pole breaker for two circuits on a split duplex even if the neutrals tabs are also broken?
Answer : ?

4. Will code allow split duplex w/ GFCI circuits if a handle tie is used with two single phase breakers & GFCI outlets?
Example: Two 20A breakers w/ handle tie. GFCI function from two upstream Receptacles feeding a split duplex. Separate neutrals - so no longer technically a MWBC.
Answer : ?

How does AFCI change/affect any of the above?

 

[bagged89s10]

I ended up using a blank face gfci at the beginning of the circuit.

 

[vtsoundman]

These are great too...15 & 20A varieties are available (although I've only ever found 15A switches)

 

[N_Jay]

I ended up using a blank face gfci at the beginning of the circuit.

What are the 4 switches for?

 

[bagged89s10]

What are the 4 switches for?

3 lights on the left side of the garage on switch 1.

3 lights on the right side of the garage on switch 2.

Light over my lathe on 3rd switch.

And 4th switch(currently not wired) will be wired for lights over my main workbench.

 

[N_Jay]

Those sound fairly well separated to worry about using a split outlet?