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Step 3Get wired!
I decided to keep one receptacle unswitched and the other switched. I understand this is called a "half switched receptacle." I planned on using the switched receptacle for the belt sander and the unswitched for a lamp that I leave on. Here's a link to a diagram of how to wire up a half switched receptacle.
Half Switched
Per the diagram, you need to break off a tab on the brass side of the receptacle.
Grab the tab with some pliers and bend it back and forth until it breaks off.
Next find some scrap wire, 14-18 AWG. You'll need three pieces about 5.5 inches long.
Strip the ends off. There's a strip gauge on the back of the receptacle that shows you how much insulation to remove.
Solder only the tips of the multistrand wire. It will eliminate loose strands. Loose strands can cause a short. With your pliers, form a hook shape on the end of the wire.
Hook the wire into the screw terminal wrapping it in a clockwise direction around the screw. You don't want the hooked wire facing counterclockwise because it will force the wire out of the terminal as you tighten it. Thank Mr. Crowe, my High School shop teacher for that bit of advice.
Per the above diagram, finish wiring everything.
Something Mr. Crowe didn't teach me is an extra precaution I like to use. After you're through wiring all the connections, wrap electrical tape around the bodies of the switch and receptacle.
This is just an added precaution just in case a wire comes loose.
Before screwing down the receptacle and switch into the J Box, remove the small black screw retainers first. You'll need the receptacle and switch to fit flush.
Lastly, remember to wire up the green ground wire from the cord to the receptacle and switch.
Half Switched
Per the diagram, you need to break off a tab on the brass side of the receptacle.
Grab the tab with some pliers and bend it back and forth until it breaks off.
Next find some scrap wire, 14-18 AWG. You'll need three pieces about 5.5 inches long.
Strip the ends off. There's a strip gauge on the back of the receptacle that shows you how much insulation to remove.
Solder only the tips of the multistrand wire. It will eliminate loose strands. Loose strands can cause a short. With your pliers, form a hook shape on the end of the wire.
Hook the wire into the screw terminal wrapping it in a clockwise direction around the screw. You don't want the hooked wire facing counterclockwise because it will force the wire out of the terminal as you tighten it. Thank Mr. Crowe, my High School shop teacher for that bit of advice.
Per the above diagram, finish wiring everything.
Something Mr. Crowe didn't teach me is an extra precaution I like to use. After you're through wiring all the connections, wrap electrical tape around the bodies of the switch and receptacle.
This is just an added precaution just in case a wire comes loose.
Before screwing down the receptacle and switch into the J Box, remove the small black screw retainers first. You'll need the receptacle and switch to fit flush.
Lastly, remember to wire up the green ground wire from the cord to the receptacle and switch.
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