What is a Split Receptacle?

A split receptacle is an outlet that has 2 separate outlets on 2 separate circuits . It accomplishes this by using a two pole breaker, 3 wire (2 hots ,red and black, 1 neutral white and 1 bare ground) and a duplex receptacle with the common tab broken between the brass screws.

Split receptacles were very commonly used for kitchen counter top plugs. It was most common to have a high draw appliances plugged in in these areas EX (Toaster, Air fryer, Microwave). A regularly installed outlet would trip the breakers if the toaster and microwave were on at the same time. This is where the split receptacle shines it is able to power both the toaster and the microwave at the same time because each outlet is on its own breaker.

Another very common spot to see split receptacles is in older homes that do not have overhead lighting. A single pole switch would be connected to one outlet of a split receptacle to control a floor lamp or lighting fixture. It is in the electrical code to have an overhead light or switched plug in every room of your house.

One common problem homeowners have is when they go to replace their countertop outlets with GFCI outlets and do not realize the outlets they are replacing are split receptacles. They will replace the outlet and go to turn on the breaker and it instantly trips. That is because you are causing a dead short between the 2 dedicated circuits (usually red and black wires) . One common way to fix this would be keep the split receptacles as is and install a 2 pole GFCI breaker. This will give you the protection you need and keep the advantage of having a split receptacle.

Split receptacles are not as common these days as kitchen countertop receptacles have moved to 20A circuits to account for the high draw appliances.

If you are ever unsure about anything electrical be sure to call a licensed red seal electrician in your area.