Switch Outlet Wiring for an Old House
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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
- 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.
Wiring a Light Switch
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
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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.
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments
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I installed about two feet of white Romex brand wire to install a kitchen plug. After I installed the wire I found out that I should have installed 20 amp plugs instead of 15 amp plugs. Can I just change out the plug, or do I need to change the wire too? Can I just change out the plug or do I have to change the wire too. I was going to change just the plug but I am worried now about the wire too. It would be hard to change out the wire now. Is it OK to use the 20 amp plug or should I just leave it all alone, or what do you suggest I should do. Calling an electrician is not an option for me. To change the wire I would have to tear up the wall again. Everything is working fine now, I am just concerned that I did something wrong. Thanks River
Hi River,
Adding a Plug Outlet to an Existing Circuit
When adding a plug to an existing circuit the additional wire should match the existing circuit wiring type and wire size or gauge. The same is true for the amperage rating for the plug, where the specification should be the same throughout the circuit. This will ensure the integrity and safety of the circuit.
The Amperage Rating for a Receptacle Outlet
Note: It is acceptable to install a 15 amp rated outlet on a 20 amp circuit, but it is not acceptable to install a 20 amp rated outlet on a 15 amp circuit.
Mixed Wire Sizes and Circuit Amperage Ratings
If it is found that a circuit has more than one rated wire type within the circuit, then the circuit breaker must be rated the same as the smallest wire type or amperage rating. It is best not to mix wire types or wire sizes within one circuit.
Be Safe,
Dave