Anybody can do it safely and correctly. Convert a light switch to a switchoutlet with help from a foreman for lighty contractors.
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Push In Terminals Vs Screw Connections On Switches And Outlets
How to change a light switch to an electrical outlet. It only takes about ten minutes. If the breakers are not labeled turn on the light with the switch or plug in a lamp at the outlet. Inspect for damaged insulation exposed conductors. Turn the power back on and make sure that the outlet works properly by plugging in a lamp and checking to see that the light switch turns the lamp on and off. Next mount the faceplate over the outlet and secure it with the small flathead screw. How to add an outlet to a light switch inside the switch box youll find a cable that comes in from power one that goes out to the fixture controlled by the switch and the new cable for the outlet youre adding.
Turn off the breaker for the electrical circuit to the switch outlet at the electrical panel. Converting a light switch to a switchoutlet is something that can be especially useful next to a doorway. Attach the wires to the terminals of the new receptacle. After you have securely tightened the wires wrap the wire clockwise around the screw ie in the direction the screw turns as it tightens to the new switch or outlet gently push the wires back into the box and secure the outletswitch to the electrical box. With the outlet in place use the two included screws to affix the outlet to the junction box. Tape off exposed conductors.
Screwdriver voltage tester and. Push the new receptacle back into the electrical box and screw it in place. Yes a switch can be converted into an outlet if the wiring can be identified back at the source and one of the wires the neutral or white can be connected to the neutral source. To break off the tab grip it with long nose pliers and bend it back and forth until it breaks off. Be sure none of the exposed wire is showing under the cap because if it is you could contact it with your tools or it could touch another wire. If the wiring has a green ground wire attach it to the green terminal on the receptacle or to the electrical box.
As you will see from the wiring diagrams provided from the links below typically the white wire is used as a switch leg. Use a voltage tester to distinguish the live circuit hot wire from the other hot wire connected to the switch. How to easily change or replace a light switch and save money. Convert a light switch to an outlet remove the black wires from the switch screw a wire cap on the dead one and push it back into the box out of the way.
Gallery of How To Change A Light Switch To An Electrical Outlet
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