How to Add an Outlet to a Light Switch
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Andrey in Massachusetts asks; How Switch Wiring Can Be Used for Receptacle Outlets? |
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.
- The power comes into the light fixture box. I have 14/3 wire running to the switch box from the light. The switch is a Leviton single pole Model # 06526-722. I keep tripping the breaker. I’m doing something wrong! Please help me!
Thanks, Brent
This electrical wiring question came from Brent in Canada.
Related Question:
- I have power coming into a light and then from the light to a switch. The switch is at the end of the wiring. I want to convert the switch into a switch and receptacle combo so the switch still controls the light and the receptacle has continuous power to it. All the wiring diagrams I have seen show the power going straight to the switch receptacle combo and then the black white going from the switch to the light. Any help would be appreciated. Even if I call our electrician to do the job I would like to know how they did it. This electrical wiring question came in California.
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
- Adding an grounded outlet will require a neutral wire, a hot wire, and a ground wire.
- The switch box wiring that you have described has a hot wire leading to the switch and the switched wire for the power that returns back to the light fixture, so the wiring at the light switch cannot be used for an outlet.
- Another power source will need to be located, possibly from the opposite side of the wall depending on the wall location in the home.
- If a power source is located that does not have a ground wire then a 2-wire outlet that does not have a ground prong will need to be installed.
More about Wiring Receptacle Outlets
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Electrical Wire for the Home
- Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
- For more information about Light Switch Wiring
- How to Wire a Light Switch
- Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
- Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common switches starting with photo diagram 1.
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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.
same topic as: Adding an Outlet to a Light Switch
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