How To Add A Light Switch Off An Outlet - EASY Tutorial STEP BY STEP

In this video I will show you how to add a light switch off an outlet. I also show you how to rough wire an outlet and how to rough wire a switch. I had to jump out of an outlet box to power this light switch box. I explain how to tie together ground wires and staple wire. This could be useful for remodeling or new construction. I hope this video is informative!
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Intro 00:00
New construction vs old construction 02:20
Safety first 03:33
How to replace an outlet box 04:09
How to run wire from outlet to switch 07:25
How to wire an outlet 09:32
How to set a switch box 13:44
How to wire a switch box 16:27
Final walkthrough 19:56
Disclaimer: This video is all based on my personal opinion and is for entertainment purposes ONLY. I am not a financial advisor, CPA, attorney, tax advisor, electrician, plumber, housing contractor, designer, or any type of profession to give advice. I am just a consumer sharing my experiences and research. If you do need knowledge for those types of things, I will advise you to seek help for those professionals.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Team! I like wearing black shirts but boy does it show the saw dust 😂. I placed timestamps below 👇to help you navigate this video. Good luck with your projects! New construction vs old construction 02:20 Safety first 03:33 How to replace an outlet box 04:09 How to run wire from outlet to switch 07:25 How to wire an outlet 09:32 How to set a switch box 13:44 How to wire a switch box 16:27 Final walk through 19:56

[@johnnydez5481]

Tt6

[@richardwhite6702]

I'm stealing power from a receptacle to feed 2 LED lights... I went from the receptacle up to the first light, then to the 2nd light, then to the switch... I'm not sure if the switch is faulty because I have constant power to the light now and the motion sensor/dimmer switch won't turn the light off and the lights are constantly on now... Should I have went from the receptacle, to the the switch, and then to the the 2 lights instead? Does it matter what order?

[@davidicousgregorian]

@@richardwhite6702 yes receptacle to switch to joint lights and dimmers will work then but now its wrong by your decription unless you sent a 14/3 wire to both lights and dimmer switch from receptacle and in that case use the white nuetral from receptacle to lights and switch , and send power from black wire in receptacle and pigtail the black to power pigtail black to bypass lights straight to switch and leave red wirenutted away from receptacle (dont attach red to receptacle ) and tie red to lights and use red as switchleg silver screw from dimmer to lights then tie black onto switch for power and tie neutral white wire to switch if it is a lighted dimmer or if dimmer requires neutral and tie grounds to receptacle and switch and lights (if lights have ground screw)

[@juanjuarez6703]

😊😊

[@alanyoder7629]

I literally just did this. I’ve wanted a light in the coat closet for 40 years. The electrician who rewired the house refused to do it. Claimed no access. I finally realized the light could be a sconce above the left side of the door and not a ceiling light. I found an outlet in the basement just below the closet to pull the power. Drilled a hole inside the wall from below, ran the wire, and now we have another outlet in the dining room as well as a switched light in the closet. Only took me 44 years to get it, but no point in hurrying. 😊

[@UrMomsSuperRichEx]

God bless you “young man”, better late than never!

[@hexZ06]

Old fart

[@mohammedmakba7267]

Thanks for teaching, you are my favorite teacher who explains everything in such a beautiful way that a dumb like me have no problem understanding it, God bless you

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that Mohammed! I try to explain everything in a simple fashion that everyone can understand. God bless you too!

[@jeffmykytiuk5642]

I appreciate all the hard work and explanations you put into making your videos. You are one of the best and most thorough teachers whose videos I've watched.

[@easttennessee988]

Amazing perfect video for me today I am wiring a small office in my basement and need a switch to a light off an outlet this looks totally doable 🤛

[@aussie-travelandtreasurehu7620]

Found your channel by mistake, you have everything I need to know for my basement Reno plus more, glad Canadian code and equipment are very similar. You are freaking awesome, thank you

[@fjohnson8811]

Very well taught my friend. I was always shaky on wiring for a new light but with your video I was able to install three recessed lights from an outlet. So glad I didn't have to pay an electrician for an easy job. Thanks again

[@tonydurante2821]

I have a switch that turns a light off and on. Only 2 wires are on the switch. Can I get power from one of those wires (black) to power a outlet?

[@hugogarcia7574]

This is the third video I watch. I like the detailed way you explain what you do. Thank you!🙂

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Hugo! I try to add much detail as I can. I appreciate you watching!

[@yepetoesca]

Finally someone shows the right way!!! Grate job. Thanks

[@alvinsaulsberry398]

Very helpful im learning not to be afraid of doing the work now thanks😊

[@dewarfamily4862]

Your videos have helped me wire my brand new 14x40 shed. Thank you for your help!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

That is awesome! Thanks a lot for watching my channel. Stay tuned!

[@wx2833]

Excellent content; I am wiring up a HVAC Blower Motor that I am using to build a heat collector for my workshop; I had it wired at 120v so it was running at half speed; which I thought would be enough since it ran an entire two story home in my previous HVAC package; but no joy. I have a lot of sensitive compute electronics that generate a lot of heat; So, my A/C guy suggested building a heat collector since 22 BTU's of A/C could not compete and was overpowered by the heat. I never wired up a 220v switch before; mainly just installed outlets, and some four prong, five wire three phase 240v locking outlets. I picked up a Leviton 3032-21 30a - 120/277 two pole switch; and since the draw is so low for the Blower Motor; I plan to piggyback it off a Metered 30a - 240v outlet; so this video was helpful. The reason I wrote this all out; is incase there is something I am overlooking; or something else I need to consider; since the outlet will be metered, ( and also tracks usage ); I can make sure I stay below 80% load to be safe. As a 90% disabled veteran after 25 years of service; I now work from home; to try and help my wife retire, and building personal data processing systems is something I can do; without have to burden anyone else to get the job done. I have to work with what I have left; since I cannot really use my body to create value these days. Thanks again for the straight forward; no nonsense instruction.

[@bobgherardi4392]

This looks to be spelled out simply and understandably. Was about to hire someone. Gonna do it try it myself! Thanks!

[@easttennessee988]

Thanks!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You’re welcome! Thank you so much for your support. It means a lot. Good luck with your project!

[@justincooper1626]

Thanks for this

[@edwardogomez2919]

Absolutely excellent video sir. Just what I needed. Thanks

[@Tiksunny]

I found your channel by accident. You are awesome to help me some of the questions on doing the wires in the basement :) thank you so much for your channel

[@richardphysician5640]

Josh, my man. If I could say I love you long time without it being weird I would like to. I just could not get it until I watched your video. Ty.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Richard! I am glad to know my video was helpful for you. Be sure to subscribe for more videos to come. Thank you and take care!

[@johnmurphyable]

These are some of the best construction videos ive seen on you tube!

[@vaughan6719]

Great instructions. Very clear

[@evelio677]

I like how you do that job thanks To share

[@jaywildhorsepatterson4432]

Thank you

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome, Jay!

[@CivilianDan]

Learned a couple more things I did not know before. Thank you sir.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Awesome! Thanks for watching Dan!

[@KevinCopenheaver-sh7mv]

Super easy to follow. Thanks for your help.

[@mharris15088]

Thanks for that information, and thanks for your honesty.. and making this look easy.. 👀

[@jimholloway1785]

I am enjoying your videos because they are real life situations that people are facing, so it is very informative and enjoyable to me. I have seen an increase of people using Wago style connectors lately but I don't see you using them. I was curious on your thoughts on Wago style connectors over the twist wire connectors and if there is a time to use one over the other? Keep up the great work. Jim

[@paelana]

Very Helpful, Thanks!!

[@juancuellar8662]

Good explanation, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Rick_1337]

Perfect video. Gave me the exact info I was looking for.

[@thomasfoster5200]

thank you so much my friend you saved me a lot of money with your videos

[@CharlesHogan6]

Thank you sir! Well done.

[@Raptor-700R]

Your video came up in my feed. I gave you and shot and boy do i love the way that you explain everything so clear. So yup uou got a new subscriber 😁👍👍

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Excellent! I hope you enjoy the rest of my channel. Thanks a lot for watching and subscribing!

[@albertramos3808]

Hey Josh, thank you so much that was a very good video, that is exactly the info I needed to add a light to a room that I built again thank you so much and have a fantastic day..

[@larrybowers8323]

The Excellent Laborer (Josh) looks like you got yourself some new work gear! (You need to get sponsored. Companies like Carhartt would be great!) Thanks for keeping the channel going and all your do to teach us to build our own houses and save a ton a money. Respect!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

It would be nice to get a sponsor! Thanks a lot Larry. I appreciate it!

[@runforestrunchainsawcarvin3418]

Well done! Thanks for the tips.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate you watching and thank you!

[@toolsiesampat2737]

You are doing a great job from your videos I have learned a lot thank you josh

[@designlife4living547]

Excellent work, well explained! Thank you.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment!

[@froylanmunoz8009]

@@TheExcellentLaborer thank you for excellent job I learned too much with you videos thank you thank you

[@carlosportilla7634]

Josh! Like the way you makes splanation on your videos 👌👋👋

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Carlos! I’m glad I can help!

[@JuanGonzalez-wy8mo]

Nice explanation Now I’m going to do some wiring

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate you watching!

[@bpwatx]

Great stuff man, thanks!

[@THERE4fabrications]

Great video thanks!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that Sean!

[@daniel.j.rauscher]

Great video!

[@arthurreece9155]

Thanks awesome love your channel very informative

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Arthur! I’m glad you are finding value in my channel. Thanks a lot for watching my videos!

[@keithp115]

This was the absolute best tutorial for what I have been looking for without exception! New subscriber sir!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I am glad to hear that. Thanks a lot Keith! Stay tuned for more to come.

[@26-CJ]

@@TheExcellentLaborerCan I jump out of a 20 amp rated outlet box with 12 wire to another created 2 gang box that will have a 20amp outlet that is controlled by a switch. Both the new switch and outlet are also rated at 20 amps and wire is rated right with 12 gauge.

[@vincedidomenico4406]

Awesome! Thank you for the video. I want to do exactly this, but my question is, my cables have black, white, ground, AND a red wire. What do I do with the red??

[@ronbunker5778]

This is great for open walls during construction but not for finished walls.

[@manuelluna370]

Your video is very informative thank you

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching. Good luck with your project!

[@icaptured0862]

Thanks for sharing your talent👍👍

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome. I’m glad I can help!

[@jeanfrancois7470]

Thankyou good job

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome. Thanks!

[@michaelclark4704]

This is a GREAT video. I've rewired the vast majority of my house, and I read a lot of manuals to ensure that I know what I'm doing: Stanley, Home Depot, Black and Decker, and many others. So I have a good point of comparison. This fellow is GREAT. He clarifies everything very well, and makes safety the first issue. Clear and instructions. Well done! One question: Does using 12 with 14 on the same line on a 15 amp service make any difference?

[@davidroddini1512]

For 15 amps it is safe to use both. The problem is someone else down the road making changes might see the heavier wire and decide to upgrade the breaker to 20 amps without realizing that part of the wiring is not rated for 20 amps.

[@deadmanswife3625]

@@davidroddini1512 exactly that is what would be the problem with it : people in the future if you believe in such a thing as life after yours😁

[@ryanwilson6470]

Love the videos! It has helped me out tremendously on various projects 👍🏻. I need input on my application for my shop. I’m needing to add a light switch for four overhead lights. Is it safe to come off of an existing outlet that already has 6 outlets on the same circuit?

[@dcbiglew]

Nice and easy to follow. Did you do a follow up showing the final hook ups? Followed everything and want yo make sure that I get the switch and outlet wiring right. Thanks

[@anduanethlopez794]

Thanks brother

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

No problem!

[@Victorvideos1]

Bravo well explained

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Victor!

[@x7warrior735]

Awesome Job ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@rodporter119]

Excellent video. Im currently doing this exact project but not on a new room just a room without a light so im adding one. There was a switch on the wall already but it was controlling a outlet on another wall. In that outlet I tied all the whites and all the blacks together and ran a pigtail from both to the outlet, That outlet works on its own now. My plan was to connect the switch the same way you are showing here. I tried it but no luck. Put my meter on the wires in the switch box from the outlet. The black and white coming in from the outlet are both showing 120 volts. Checked all the connections at the outlet and all is good. Any ideas what may be happening

[@patrickarchuleta9594]

God almighty bless you. Your work is second to none simply great may God continue to. Bottom line

[@silvergrizzly316]

HEY👋Josh!! This video couldn't have come at a better time, lol. I'm going to add a light socket over a work bench so I can screw in one of those 10,000 lumen paddle lights. I guess just jumping from the last outlet that the rest of the hanging led lights would be the same. Btw, I turn on my shop lights from two switches on the wall. I love your channel my friend and your detailed explanations!!!👍👍 ☆Jay☆ 😁

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Silver Grizzly! It sounds like it will be very easy for you to add a light with that setup. I have not used paddle light before so I will have to do some research on those. Sounds like you have a three-way switch set up in your shop. I’m going to be doing a video in the future on how I do those. I’m glad you are finding value in my channel. Thanks a lot for watching Jay!

[@brandonjensen5292]

I changed old outlets today for the first time. Your content made it really easy. Thanks

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey Brandon! You are welcome. Im glad you see value in my content. Stay tuned for more!

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

Excellent. Just subscribed!!!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Awesome Ma Ma! Let’s build this wonderful KZbin community!🔨

[@amir990level2]

excellent Work. if the switch was close to the incoming wire to the first outlet box, what do you recommended ? is it possible to add a junction box first, feed the first outlet box and switch from this new Junction box? in this case we do not need to pigtail the three wires together and feed the Switch from the outlet box.

[@gailtaylor1636]

WAGO connectors would save you a ton of time.

[@user-wy9sl7pv4o]

Great ! Now , I'm outside replacing std outlet w GFCI . From that I want to power a switch to another outside lite , both gfci & switch in 1 metal 2 gang box - will your procedure be right ?

[@bodybywill]

Nice video

[@tangamanga94]

Thank you for the video. Why you didn't do pigtails for the switch like you did for the outlet? I thought that all lights switches also required the white wire to be installed.

[@JoseSilva-ud6ud]

Excelente

[@daddyslittlejunkies]

Nice. The only thing I see that I would have done differently is to run the wire through 3/8' hole from the other side :) so I only needed to pull 20"'s or so through instead of most of the cable.

[@khymchristensen1237]

Is it okay to use a junction box between outlets to wire a switch/light if it's an older house and no outlet to wire into nearby ? And how many outlet/switch/light combinations can be on a 15 amp breaker circuit safely?

[@AnthonySomes]

Could you run a 14-3 from the switch to the light? With the 12-2 coming from the receptacle?

[@johntherat339]

This is clutch man! I need to power my well pump coming off an outlet and I'd like to be able to turn the pump on and off with a switch. Thanks for the great and timely video.

[@tannerc900]

Could this same application work for an exhaust fan?

[@wilsonjohnson9774]

Hi great video, learned a lot.One question, if you're wiring a 15 amp dc circuit with 14 gage wire, would you use solid or braided copper wire and why? Thanks, keep up the good work. 👍

[@davidicousgregorian]

also dont combine alluminium with copper braided is good but solid is less prone to corrosion and sometimes braid weakens or breaks and becomes hazard if twisted improperly and dpes not give as reliable a connection or strength in wirenut use if connected in wirenut splicing if done wrong

[@alexesco1521]

Hi I’m an a situation two outlets power from beaker box and wire going to light everything works but when I turn lights off outlet goes off as well?

[@mrkayes1]

This is what I needed to do my wiring. Good job keep it up. I have 2 questions 1. Can I use wire 14-2 for multiple outlet 2. Can I connect wire 14-2 and wire 12-2 together.

[@davidicousgregorian]

first get a electrician for help and inspection of work before energizing ,theres alot of safety precautions and things non electricians dont know that vary per city and national electric codes now for questions 1. A 14-2 will supply 1500watts minus 20% for a 15amp circuit max on total circuit and yes you can use more outlets 1 in 1 gang box 2 in 2 gang box etc if all wiring from panel is on same 15amp breaker up to 1200 watts max for continuous use loads like ovens motors etc or 1500 for temp use lighting or receptacles(not always running at same time / and always consider NEC wire fill cubic inch rules.they added rules for grounds and new wire fill rules for everything in or connected to box or lights switches etc. dont combine with 12-2 wire ever and a general rule is 14 plugs and or lights combined on a 14-2 circuit max and 8 if all kitchen or bath or garage and exterior gfi protected serviced outlets lights or devices Microwaves fridges dishwashers disposals sump pumps dryers and ranges are to be on dedicated single use locations (dont get power from these) 2. never combine 12-2 with 14-2 unless you want problems with fire unless a qualified electrician helps you (14-2 can be tied with 12-2 if everyone knows what the reasons they can and cant tie together on this id always stick to all same wiring for safety and future repairs and wiring (easy answer is no)

[@hinterlanderswellness]

So is it possible to wire up all lights and outlets in a circuit with only 12/2? Or is 12/3 absolutely needed (assuming there are no 3 way switches)?

[@weekendhomeprojects]

Great video! I'll be putting lights in a few closets soon so this is very helpful!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Awesome! This should give you a few pointers for sure. I know this is a new construction job but is definitely relatable for a remodel too. Thanks!

[@davidicousgregorian]

dont forget closets lights and basement and garages now require fully enclosed bulbed fixtures no closer than 12 inches from clothes and never above shelving ( pullchains and keyless fixtures are now illegal by code even if replacing broken fixtures)

[@weekendhomeprojects]

@@davidicousgregorian what about cables recessed puck lights?

[@davidicousgregorian]

@@weekendhomeprojects i will check do you mean plug in or direct wire from attic or walls to power source

[@davidicousgregorian]

@@weekendhomeprojects Incandescent luminaires with open or partially open lamps and pendant-type luminaires must not be installed in a clothes closet [410.16(B)].

[@connorsmith207]

When wired like this the outlets will have constant power on top and bottom right?

[@o.ggonzalez3470]

Gracias maistro...

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Sure!

[@darioarthur2525]

great video...thanks But, people do not forget to put a metal plaque on the studs to protect the cable..

[@trailsloth6956]

Do you like the weygos? Or you prefer wire nuts?

[@Gymjb5]

Thank you , I’m wondering if I can do the same to install a exhaust fan .

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

That should not be a problem for a standard exhaust fan. I hope that helps!

[@Gymjb5]

@@TheExcellentLaborer thank you ,yeah is just a 6” inch wall exhaust fan for my shower ,now is possible for me to use 14-2 just to run the wire to the fan ? Because im running the wire from a old existing outlet,and im sorry about all these questions 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jsubs]

Any videos showing how to install a new ceiling light using existing wall switch that controls a wall outlet. Thanks

[@henrythe83rd18]

How do you staple after drywall is installed already? If you add a new outlet for example

[@anikettelang9831]

Will this work for using a light switch to add an outlet in a bathroom?

[@tweb3282]

What do you think about using WAGO connectors? as An upcoming electrician it is being taught in school.

[@michaeleverest3487]

They make connections faster but over time the conductors can come out. Remember wire is vibrating at 60hz a cycle. They can come loose enough that you lose the circuit, or that enough heat is generated from arcing that you get a small fire in the box or big fire. I've seen it enough times to just keep using wire nuts.

[@veegee3447]

Gm josh thank you for sharing. I have question. How do you fix light switch?. when i turn it on the light doesn't come on write away

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Are you saying there is a delay when you turn the light switch on?

[@elliothudsonhudsonhomesott2694]

Great video, thank-you! Drywall taper here - let me know when you need those boxes filled with mud. 👍 🤣

[@blokey5160]

Nice video. Have you considered using the Wago lever nuts in place of the old fashioned twist-on wire nuts?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks a lot! I have considered those but I have not tried them yet. The tried and true wire nut has simply been my go to for years. If I had some I would definitely try some!

[@lorenrickey5481]

@@TheExcellentLaborerOnce you used Wago 222’s you’ll never go back.

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

@@lorenrickey5481 The issue with Wago-type connectors is that they contact the wire on a very small area - like a knife. Yes, they are easy and quick, but the amount of copper wire to the connector is slight.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I recently tried WAGO connectors and like them a lot. Definitely easy to use!

[@neryquiroz9784]

Nice video easy job ?

[@vero0992]

Man, I didn't know those crimp connectors (as you had on the ground) are removable! I still had enough to work with, but I'll know next time to work it free instead of cutting it off.

[@oscarfarley4104]

a lot easier when you're doing the framing. But what about in a house that is finished and you don't want to start a new drywall project?

[@JuanCoolDad]

Do you have a video on the wiring to convert from one bathroom vanity light to two vanity lights controlled with one switch?

[@davidroddini1512]

Easiest way would be to daisy chain the second light fixture from the first.

[@richardlawrence3137]

I am adding a light switch to my new shed, this video was perfect.

[@michaelbraun5943]

So if I'm wanting to wire my bathroom on one circuit I can put my outlet, lights and fan on a 20 AMP GFI breaker?

[@harveylong5878]

bathroom outlets are supposed to be dedicated 20 amp breaker. fan and lighting go on their own circuit

[@DelusionalBrownsFan_96]

If you did this on the box at the end of the run would you still need to pig tail or did you only pig tail because an outlet only has two white terminals and two black terminals and in your case you had 3 wires?

[@davidroddini1512]

If it was the end run there would only be one wire so the pigtails would probably not be necessary.

[@user-vw2eg5el5v]

I have 2 wires coming out of one conduit and 3 wires coming out from another conduit the only wire that is hot is the red wire the black wires are not hot. Want to put a new receptacle in the box with the light switch that was installed before how do I wire the switch and the receptacle in the same box that it was installed before. Please help me out. Thank you.

[@Nationalist101]

So to confirm, that box is always hot, right? So when you’d turn off the switch, the outlet is still live? I’m working on UN-pigtailing a three way switch in my house to free up a switch so I can add its own lights off of just that switch. I THINK the extra three way switch is wired off of the outlet below it

[@Bewefau]

I have a question. I already have light switch controlling a power outlet. What I want to do is take the light switch off the power outlet so its always on and can't be shut off. Than I want to take that light switch and have control a light or possible a fan light. They did not add any ceiling lights in this bed room.

[@islenboi]

I'd like to add some would also put tape on that breaker with "Do Not Touch" while you're working on it, that way any who see it knows not to turn on without checking with the crew.

[@marshmallowsti6135]

Or use the proper breaker locks as needed

[@authorchristinafluharty]

Do I have to have the wiring inspector come out before I add in the switches/ outlets? Or can I go ahead and install those while I'm waiting on him?

[@harveylong5878]

rough electric inspection , the inspector will want the switches, receptacles out