A switched receptacle requires ____ conductors to work properly?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer: (B)

A switched receptacle functions because the outlet needs a hot feed, a neutral path, and a way to return power from the switch to energize the controlled half. The hot conductor supplies power to the receptacle and also feeds the switch; the neutral provides the return path for current to the receptacle; the switched hot return carries power from the switch back to the outlet to turn the controlled half on or off. The grounding conductor is essential for safety, but it doesn’t carry the current to operate the receptacle, so it isn’t counted among the conductors that make the switchwork. So, three insulated conductors are involved to make a switched receptacle function properly.