How To Add On Off Switch To Outlet

Calculation a Receptacle

Updated: October. fifteen, 2021

You can pull power from a switch box—sometimes

FH03FEB_ADDREC_01-2 Family unit Handyman

Switch boxes can sometimes be used every bit a power source for a new outlet, but but if the box is large enough and has neutral and basis wires running through it. Hither'due south how to figure it out.

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Open the switch box

Switch box with neutral wires

Switches don't need neutral wires. In this box, the two white wires continued with a wire nut indicate that a circuit runs through the switch box, and you can tie into it for a new outlet. If the switch box has only one white wire and it'due south connected to the switch (sometimes with blackness tape effectually information technology), information technology ways the wire is hot—part of the switch circuit—and can't exist used as a neutral.

Outset, check to see if the box contains a circuit you can tie into. Turn off the ability to the switch box, remove the switch plate and unscrew the switch so yous can examine the wires. If there's a pair of neutral (white) wires that aren't connected to the switch, y'all're in luck (see photo). You can so add the new black wire to the blackness, the white to the white, and the footing to the footing wires. However, keep in mind that the switch box might contain other wires or have improper connections. If you're not sure, await elsewhere or call a licensed electrician to advise you.

Second, practise a wire count to make sure the box is big enough for the three new wires (see nautical chart). The box size (in cubic inches) is often stamped on the inside of the dorsum. If it's not, measure the width, superlative and depth of the box and multiply to calculate its book. If the box isn't large plenty, replace information technology with a larger one or look for another place to tie in.

Box Capacity

Use this chart to decide if the switch box is large enough for more than wires.

CAUTION!

Before starting, turn off the power to the circuit. Earlier touching whatsoever bare wires or terminals, use a voltage tester on all the wires to make sure the power is off. If you lot have aluminum wiring, call in a licensed pro who'southward certified to work with information technology. This wiring is slow grey, non the slow orange that'southward characteristic of copper.