How To Wire An Outlet From A Switch

Hi Anthony,
Example of Adding a GFCI Outlet and Vanity Light to a Bathroom
The circuit power source will need to be tested and verified. A 2-wire cable is installed between the wall box and the desired location for the vanity light. The wall box will need to be replaced with a 2-gang or 3-gang box, depending on available space. The power source is shared for the additional GFCI outlet and vanity light. Refer to the GFCI and switch wiring diagrams provided in the wiring diagrams section of this website for wiring the additional devices.
Be sure to get a permit, use methods and materials that are compliant with local and national codes, and have the additional wiring inspected.
I hope this helps,
Dave

Hi Kaylaypoe,
How to Wire a Switch for an Outlet
Keep in mind that when wiring a switch it is not necessary to switch the white neutral wire.
When wiring a switch to control a 110volt outlet the power wire is connected to the switch as follows:
One switch screw terminal is for the Power In.
One switch screw terminal is for the Power Out.

Example of Using a 3Wire Cable for a Switch
The 3wire cable can be used for switching as follows:
Use the black wire as the Power In.
Mark the wire wire with black electrical tape at each end, and use it for the Power Out.
With this example, these two wires are configured to break the circuit power, and send the power to the switch, and then back to the outlet.
NOTE: The ground wires are all bonded together and distributed to all locations, and attached to the provided ground screws of the switch and outlet.

A Basic Switch Circuit
A switch circuit is basically a loop of the circuit power wire that goes through the switch.

Please refer to the wiring diagrams on this website. Links to the wiring diagrams are provided in the main article above.

I hope this helps,
Dave

Dora,
Here is a link that has Switched Outlet Wiring Diagrams.
In order to provide power for a new outlet the wiring at the switch box must include the line(hot) and the neutral. There is a lot of confusion with this because a white wire may be present at the switch box, but the white wire may not actually be a “neutral”, but rather the white wire may be used for the switched loop wiring. This can only be verified by careful examination and testing the wiring that is at the switch box. If there are two insulated wires at the switch box and they are both connected to the switch then a “neutral” is not present, therefore this wiring may not be used to power an outlet and an alternative power source would be required.
Dave