Switched outlet in another room

[exranger06]

I tried searching but couldn't find an answer to this question, but I think I know the answer: Is it legal/up to code to have a switched receptacle, where the switch and the receptacle are in separate rooms? I want to have a switch in my attached garage that controls a receptacle in my utility room, which is on the opposite side of the house from the garage.

 

[prostreetamx]

The code only covers minimum requirements for switched outlets that will be a source of power for room lighting. There is nothing that says that you can not switch an outlet for another purpose from a remote location. You would still need switched lighting in each room that is controlled from that room. Some locations require built in lighting rather than switched outlets such as kitchens and baths. Not sure why you would want to switch a utility room plug from your garage though.

 

[exranger06]

Thanks, that's what I was thinking. The receptacle is for an automatic tank drain for my air compressor (compressor is in the utility room). I wanted an easy way to shut the tank drain off from the garage. I'm going to run control wiring from the starter on the compressor to the garage so I can switch the compressor on and off from the garage, and I may be able to just tie the drain wiring into that, but I wanted to explore all options first.

 

[Firebrick43]

If you do it would be wise to use a pilot light switch. The switch has a small light above(or sometimes in the switch that comes on when flipped on. That way you can tell if you forgot it on before leaving for the night.

 

[ford33]

It would be a good idea to label the switch in some way. People will activate the switch by mistake or someone will just question it years from now.

 

[mm08822]

Just use the compressor motor circuit to drive the cycling of a drain valve timer.

You could install a pilot lighted 3 way arrangement to shut the compressor off from either location.

 

[hogasm]

We call it a Christmas light circuit. A receptacle is installed under every house frontal window and the top half of each of those receptacles is controlled by a single switch located in a closet

It can be done for other reasons than the Christmas lights

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thanks, that's what I was thinking. The receptacle is for an automatic tank drain for my air compressor (compressor is in the utility room). I wanted an easy way to shut the tank drain off from the garage. I'm going to run control wiring from the starter on the compressor to the garage so I can switch the compressor on and off from the garage, and I may be able to just tie the drain wiring into that, but I wanted to explore all options first.

If you want to get fancy and automate it, just install a timer circuit that is tied to the coil circuit on the starter as mm08822 said above. That way every time compressor kicks on, the drain is activated for 5 secs or so.