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THE SCUD · 08-22-2011, 10:14 PM

I googled this, but I couldn't find the answer.

We have a wall switch in our new home, in the living room, that doesn't do anything. I believe it's supposed to control a switched outlet - ie control a plugged-in lamp.

However, I jumped around on my hands and knees trying all the sockets with a light and the switch doesn't seem to deactivate any of them.

Is there a general 'rule' on how these things work? I heard that perhaps only the bottom socket would be switched (doesn't seem to be the case) - does it have to maybe be a three prong grounded item plugged in (seems impossible/doubtful)?

I know it's a stupid question and of no real significance, but it's been driving me nuts and thought maybe someone on CP would know (or the thing really is just wired to nothing!)

08-22-2011, 10:14 PM	#1
THE SCUD Lifetime Suspension Join Date: Mar 2011 Exp:	Stupid Electrical Question I googled this, but I couldn't find the answer. We have a wall switch in our new home, in the living room, that doesn't do anything. I believe it's supposed to control a switched outlet - ie control a plugged-in lamp. However, I jumped around on my hands and knees trying all the sockets with a light and the switch doesn't seem to deactivate any of them. Is there a general 'rule' on how these things work? I heard that perhaps only the bottom socket would be switched (doesn't seem to be the case) - does it have to maybe be a three prong grounded item plugged in (seems impossible/doubtful)? I know it's a stupid question and of no real significance, but it's been driving me nuts and thought maybe someone on CP would know (or the thing really is just wired to nothing!)