Wiring a Combo Plug and Switch

How to Wire a Combo Plug and Light Switch: Instructions for Wiring a Combo Outlet and Light Switch. By: Dave Rongey

Combo Plug and Light Switch Wiring
Electrical Question: I live in a very old home and I’m trying to simply replace a vanity light. I have one power switch in the bathroom that only controls the over head light. The old vanity light was wired to old wiring above the mirror that was not operated by the light switch.

• There was a separate switch button on the old vanity light which the new light does not have.
• I ran new wire from the vanity to a new combo switch and outlet that I want to use to replace the existing light switch. I first hooked up the vanity light from both the old and new wires to the new combo switch, black to black and white to white and all grounds on vanity and new receptacle, all ending in the same result.
• The switch controls only the overhead light, and the vanity light has constant power.
• I unhooked the old wires and just used the new wire from vanity light to the switch and got the same result. I’ve tried every possible combination.
• The switch works the overhead light and I get power from the outlet, but nothing seems to control the vanity light.
• The vanity light is just always on until I shut off the breaker. Vanity light is on same breaker as the overhead bathroom light.

This electrical wiring question came from Marni, in Lehighton, Pennsylvania.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Marni.

Wiring a Combo Plug and Light Switch

Application: Wiring for a Combo Plug and Switch.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Depends on the exact scope of work. Electricians Tools including a Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience and ability to work with tools and access to the wiring.
Precaution: Identify the existing light circuit at the electrical panel, turn it OFF and then Tag it with a Note before performing any wiring.
Notice: Installing additional electrical 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.

Instructions for Wiring a Combo Outlet and Switch

• First we need to understand that a 120 volt outlet requires a hot, neutral and a ground wire.
• Next we need to check to see if the wall box where the combo plug and switch have the required wires. It is important to know that a white wire that is found in a switch box is not necessarily a neutral wire, especially if the white wire is attached to the switch which would indicate that the white wire is actually being used for switching power.
  • There are a few ways this could be wired, but because of the age of the home and electrical wiring the following is what I would do:
    • Leave the existing wiring and switch for the ceiling light fixture as it is.
    • Install a 3-wire cable of the same wire gauge from the vanity light to the wall switch.
    • The black and white would be used for the power for the outlet and the vanity light switch.
    • The red wire would be used as the switched leg back up to the vanity light where it would be connected to the black wire of the vanity light.
    • The neutral wires would all be spliced together at the vanity light as well.
    • The wall switch box should be replaced with a 2-gang switch box that is a deep size.
    • Because this is a bathroom the combo should be a GFCI and Switch Combo, not a regular outlet.
• If there is not a bonded ground wire available then the GFCI Outlet must be labeled by code as “Not a Grounded Outlet”. The GFCI will still function as a GFCI, but the ground source is not available.

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » 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, Handy Women, 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. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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 Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! 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 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 Tester This 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 Cutter My 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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