How do you install a split circuit electrical outlet?

Answer 1

The voltage to a split receptacle is delivered by a 3 conductor # 14 cable. In the service panel the wire will be connected to a 2 pole 15 amp breaker. The white wire will connect to the silver coloured screw on the receptacle. On the brass side screws you will see a tie bar between the upper and lower screws. Using needle nose pliers, remove the tie bar by wiggling it back and forth until it breaks out. (Be sure the terminal screws are tight, or you might damage the tab. The tab is made to break easily with a few wiggles). Now you are left with two separated brass screws. Install the red coloured wire under one screw and the black coloured wire under the other. Connect the bare ground wire under the green screw. Install back into the wall, replace the cover plate. If the tie bar is not removed the breaker will trip due to a short circuit across the 240 volt legs of the service panel. Code states that the breaker feeding split receptacles must shut off both hot wires at the same time. NO connection to two single pole breakers without a common tie bar to shut the breakers off together.