Electrical Wiring for a Switch Outlet Combination
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How is a combo outlet and switch wired? Wiring a Electrical Outlet and Switch Combo Device. |
Electric Outlet and Switch Combo
[ad#block]Electrical Question: How is a combo outlet and switch wired?
I’m wiring a switch outlet combination. No matter what I do I can not get the lights and outlets to work at the same time. Maybe you know what to do and can help.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Zachary.
Background: Zachary, a Handyman from Burlington, New Jersey.
Wiring a Electrical Outlet and Switch Combo Device
Application: Wiring a Switched Outlet.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of outlets that will be replaced.
Precaution: Identify the outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done with a permit and be inspected.
How to Wire a Outlet and Switch Combo
- In most cases, the primary power source is shared between the switch and the outlet, either with a wire jumper or the bridge or tab that is located on the side of the combo switch and outlet.
- The tab is remove only when the power source is not shared.
More about Wiring a Light Switch
I have provided the following resources that lead to fully detailed information about switched outlet wiring on this website that will assist you with your electrical question:
Wiring Diagrams
For more information about Light Switch Wiring
Light Switch Wiring
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.
This link is helpful as a Handyman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
The following may also be helpful for you:
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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 wish to wire a combination switch outlet where the switch only controls the outlet. No other circuits will be used. I wish to have a device plugged into the outlet, but controlled by the swtich.
Brian,
The incoming power source would enter to the switch brass terminal screw without a bridge, the neutral wire would connect to the silver terminal. When the switch is turned ON the outlet will have power. The ground wire connected as typical. Turn the circuit OFF before wiring.
Enjoy!
Dave
I am trying to replace a light switch with a new receptacle so the switch controls a light and powers a 120volt outlet on bottom. Currently, two single switches are in double box.
Hi Roger,
Wiring a Combo Switch Outlet
The circuit wiring in the switch box must include a neutral wire which is necessary for the 120volt outlet to work. The neutral wire is then extended using a pigtail wire to the silver screw terminal of the outlet of the combo switch outlet. The circuit power source supplied to the original light switch is shared for both the light switch and the outlet, and is attached to the brass screw terminal(s) of the combo switch outlet. The power wire leading out to the light is connected to the remaining brass screw terminal of the switch located on the opposite side of the circuit power screw terminal.
Enjoy your combo switch outlet,
Dave
I’m trying to wire a switched outlet with 2 outlets total in the circuit off an existing outlet.