How To Wire An Outlet From A Switch
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Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home, Home electrical which wiring includes 110 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done. |
Electrical Wiring for an Outlet to a Switch
How do I wire an outlet from a switch?
- Power comes from the light to the switch and I want to wire an outlet after the switch.
- How do I go about doing this without rewiring everything?
This electrical wiring question came from: Mike, a Homeowner from Dante, South Dakota.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mike.
How to wire an Outlet from a Switch
Electrical outlet wiring
Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
Wiring a switch
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
Electrical wire
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 Outlet Wiring
How to Install Electrical Outlets
Wiring Electrical Outlets
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Wiring Electrical Outlets with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
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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How do I wire an outlet from a switch?
Power comes from the light to the switch and I want to wire an outlet after the switch.
How do I go about doing this without rewiring everything?
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
I need to wire a switch out to a power outlet. The existing power outlet has 4 wires, red, black, white and ground. The switch cable has only 3 wires, black, white, and ground. Can you please give me a diagram how to wire it?
Thanks very much.
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
I have a 3 wire feed coming from bath ceiling light and fan to a single pole switch. I want to add a vanity light and GFCI with a separate switch for vanity light an ceiling light and bath fan. How do I wire this so each Item is on a separate single pole 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