How to Convert a Light Switch to an Outlet
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Can You Make a Light Switch into a Outlet? How to Wire a Light Switch to Become an Outlet. |
Light Switch to Outlet
Electrical Question: Can You Make a Light Switch into a Outlet?
This electrical wiring question came from: Walter, a Homeowner in the USA.
Additional Comments: This website is very helpful, it helped me when I was remodeling some of my house.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Walter .
How to Wire a Light Switch to Become an Outlet
Application: Covert the Wiring of a Switch to be an Outlet.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Converting a Light Switch to be an Outlet
IMPORTANT: Make sure to read the following information because converting a light switch into an outlet requires specific electrical wiring which is best verified using a voltage tester.
- Yes, a switch can be converted into an outlet if the wiring can be identified back at the source and one of the wires (the neutral or white) can be connected to the neutral source.
- As you will see from the wiring diagrams provided from the links below, typically the white wire is used as a switch leg.
- So basically the two wires used for the switch will need to be positively identified, then removed from the configuration it now has, and then spliced to the hot and neutral source. Be very careful to note the existing wiring configurations before anything is changed.
- This is best done by a qualified electrician who will be able to positively identify the existing wiring and make the desire changes.
The Following will assist you with your Light Switch Conversion
Light Switch Wiring
Electrical outlet wiring
Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
For more information about Electrical Wiring
Electrical Wiring
Electrical Wiring
Home electrical wiring projects with pictures and wiring diagrams.
How to Use Electrical Testers
When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
Types of Electrical Testers
Using Electrical Testers
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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. |
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I want to convert a light switch to a switch with an outlet.
The switch currently controls two lights in the bathroom.
Guy at Ace hardware showed me a switch with an outlet and said to wire identical to the original and break of the little tab. This will keep the outlet always hot and the original lights on the switch.
Is it as easy as that ?