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Electrical Wire and Cable


How to Add an Outlet to a Light Switch


How to Use Switch Wiring for Receptacle Outlets, Light Switch Wiring and Outlet Wiring.



Home Electrical Wiring Video

How To Hook Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
for Backup Power

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Light Switch Wiring and Outlet Wiring

Electrical Question: I have a single pole switch that controls a light.

I opened it up and there is a white and black wire connected to the switch and no ground wire. I need to install a receptacle below it that will always be hot and will be fed through the switch.

Please help.

This electrical wiring question came from: Andrey in Massachusetts.

Additional Comments:
So far it really helps! Thanks!

Related Question: I am installing new single light switch with guide light above it.

This electrical wiring question came from Brent in Canada.

Related Question:

Dave’s Reply:
Thank you for your electrical questions.

Can Switch Wiring be used for Receptacle Outlets

How Switch Wiring Can Be Used for Receptacle Outlets

More about Wiring Receptacle Outlets

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Light Switch Wiring


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


More articles about Electrical Wiring, Outlets from Switches and Home Electrical Wiring:
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

3 Responses to “How to Add an Outlet to a Light Switch”
  1. GW Patton says:

    I want to put a combo switch/outlet (Leviton 5627) in place of a single pole light switch. Everything I read says a neutral 3rd wire is required but I just have a black and a white in the box. I can get either the switch or the light to work but not both. It’s ok if the outlet is only hot when the lights are on. It seems like it should be doable but I’m straining my brain trying to figure it out.

  2. GW Patton says:

    same topic as: Adding an Outlet to a Light Switch

  3. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi GW,
    From what you have described the white wire in the switch box is being used for switching the power wire of the light circuit. Therefore it is not a neutral wire and it cannot be used as such. Please refer to the wiring diagrams as provided in this main article.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave