Switch Outlet Wiring for an Old House

I’m installing an outlet off of a wall switch. I have no white wire to hook up to, how can I do this? How to Install Home Electrical Wiring for a Wall Outlet.

Identifying Electrical Switched Outlet Wiring
Electrical Question: I’m installing an outlet off of a wall switch. I have no white wire to hook up to. This is a very old house and I can’t get the outlet to work.

This electrical question came from: Rietta, a Handy-Woman from Michigan.
See more about Home Wiring for Michigan

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Rietta.

Electrical Wiring for a Wall Outlet

Application: Adding a 120 Volt Outlet.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
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 added and the access to the location for the new outlets.
Precaution: Identify the existing outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done through the local building authority, installed according to applicable local and national electrical codes, with a permit, and have the required inspections.

Installing Electrical Wiring for a 120v Outlet

• Neutral Wire for the Outlet Circuit
  • When installing electrical wiring for a 120 volt outlet a neutral wire will be required. As you have found, many times a neutral wire may not be found in a light switch box.
• Locating a Neutral Wire
  • In order to locate a circuit that has a white neutral wire the wiring will need to be identified using a voltage tester.
• Wiring Diagrams for Outlets
  • Please examine the wiring diagrams found in the list below and throughout the website that matches the electrical wiring that is desired.

More about Wiring Outlets

• Electrical Outlets
• Electrical Wire for the Home
• 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.

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Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

Electrical Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.

This link is helpful as a Handy Woman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tip The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This 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, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard 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.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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