"Beachcomber" wrote in message
...


Does the switch control the receptacle, or is the receptacle always
powered?
I read through several manufacturers sites, but they don't say! I am
guessing it is always powered, giving the option of breaking the tab and
wiring to the backside of the switch; but the obvious answer is not always
the right one.

They have 2 brass screws on one side, and a brass and nickel on the other.
I presume the brass and nickel go to the light to be controlled by the
switch?


The nickel (silver colored) screw is for the neutral (white wire)
only. You have the option of wiring it as a switch controlling the
outlet or an independent switch and an always-on outlet (a third
option, having the outlet controlled by another switch somewhere,
would require breaking the tab).

Otherwise, for the first two options, the important thing is what side
of the switch your incoming hot wire would be connected to... Tab side
for an always-on outlet and the single brass screw on the other side
if you want the switch to control the outlet.

These are really simple wiring concepts, but if you are having
difficulty understanding them, you should probably ask someone you
know for more assistance. Wiring errors can kill people, burn down
houses, etc.

Thank you.
They are only simple if you happen to know how the S/R works. If not, it is
simply unknown; no amount of electrical experience can tease it out.