I have an opinion as to what is wrong, probably it's just what you did in the first outlet.

Generally, dual outlets have a little metal bridge between the 2 screws to allow you to power the sockets separately if you wish. You want to make sure that there are bridges on both sides of the outlet, and that they are screwed down tightly. Possibly you are running your wires into the holes in back of the outlets. That's fine, but the screws still need to be tight to connect both outlets.

Just to review, one way to wire what you're doing is to run your source black wire into the gold covered screw and the white wire into the steel covered screw. The wires to the next outlet can come from the screws on the other outlet of the pair. Once again it's black to gold and white to steel.

It just sounds as if you don't have the bridges tight between the 2 sockets of the first outlet.

I would agree with what others have said and recommend that you pick up an illustrated book on basic wiring. Your local library will have a good selection, or you can pick one up at a hardware store.

It's just worthwhile reviewing the safety aspects of your job. This is not always obvious in electrical work.

Good Luck,

hj

 

Ryan:

I re-drew your diagram, and put the wires in their proper perspective.



Note: Double-check all of your connections and especially the screws on the outlets.

If you wire the circuit as I have drawn, the ONLY issue that I see is that you have a loose connection in the JUNCTION BOX.

I don't use the screws on the outlet as a junction box. I use a 'pigtail' (as described in another post and as shown).

Also, each ground (bare wire) should be twisted together and I use a 'pigtail' in each box, also.

The way I have this drawn, the original box will still be 'hot' all the time, and each outlet that you put in, will be controlled by the new switch.


ETA: IF the first outlet is 'hot' when the switch is turned 'on', but the others don't work, you either have the outlets wired wrong, or you have a loose connection somewhere down 'the line'.

Also, the switch should be a "SPST" - Single Pole Single Throw.
There should only be two screws on one side of the switch, and a ground screw (usually GREEN, but not always).
There SHOULD NOT be more than these.
Do NOT connect any white wires to the switch! Connect only black wires to the switch. Follow my wiring diagram, or get a qualified licensed electrician to do this job. Otherwise you MAY energize something you don't want to, or cause a 'dead short' that can trip breakers or start a fire in the house/walls!!!!

Again. . . I must stress. . . if you aren't sure (and confident) in what you are doing, STOP. Hire a qualified (and licensed) electrician!!!
The life you save just might be your own.

 

The first try I did have the black wires backwards on the switch. Also the reason why I was only getting power to one of the plugs is because the little tab was broken.. I have it wired now and its working...Thanks!!!