Electrical Outlet Question?
Question:I have a light switch in my bathroom that controls a light fixture over my sink that also has an outlet. I would like to make the light switch double as an outlet. Is this something I can do myself? I have seen this type of outlet with a switch and an outlet in the same duplex.
Answers:
yes, this is pretty easy depending on how switch is wired... if the main power goes to the light first you will need to run a wire from the light to the outlet, otherwise you just hookup to the mains at switch to the outlet
, turn power off at breaker first. check codes, you may need and probably want a GFCI outlet there due to the proximity to water. A GFCI outlet will turn off if it gets wet. The box should be a double outlet and the cover will be for a switch oultet combo. The GFCI outlet and switch cover may be a little harder to find... or not.
Sure. If it is currently just a single switch, I have seen outlets for sale that have a switch and one outlet that would fit into that electrical box. You can also get a double gang box for "old work" and cut out some drywall to accommodate it. The difficult part is getting the old box out, I use a reciprocating saw with a metal blade and cut the nails holding old box to the stud.
If you don't have many tools, the first suggestion is by far the easier.
you don't have to remove the old box. what you do have to do is make sure you have a neutral wire in the box. some switches just have the switch leg and no neutral. if you have a neutral just remove the switch and replace it with a switch over outlet device. wire the switch part as the old one is and wire the outlet with the hot and neutral. don't forget to buy a new plate to go over the new configuration.
More Related Questions & Answers...