How to add an Outlet from a Switch

In this video, I answer a common question "Can I add an outlet from a switch?" The answer is "maybe" but I show you how to figure it out. Then I show two different ways to add an outlet from a switch.
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[@sviscuso]

One of the best gentlemen to watch, hands down, about the ins and outs of wiring outlets and switches correctly. The delivery, instruction, and information provided is very detailed and extremely easy to follow. Great job Chris!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@BirdyP-nx3xh]

I watched demonstration 10x to change a closet light switch to a switch/outlet. The special attention to wiring and wagos made my layperson project perfect! THANK YOU!

[@handydadtv]

@BirdyP-nx3xh Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@chuckbell2949]

Thank you for making this great instructional video , I’m 76 and not done with doing anything on my own, but I do need a little help. This is just what I need to safely wire a switch to a light then connect to a outlet. Sometimes a takes a few reviews to make it all sink in to this old head, thanks, Chuck

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@jeffdroubay4636]

Absolutely the clearest, most comprehensive video on the topic. Kudos, Dad.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@csrboltfan2643]

The first option is exactly what I needed to know. THANK YOU for explaining it down to my level.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@jeannemyers489]

Thank you Chris! I was able to watch your video with my new switch/receptacle combo in my hand. I followed along with the video and because of your excellent instructions I will be now be able to install this type of switch too. I watched a previous video about adding an outlet to an existing one. I installed one per your directions, and it works perfectly. Senior ladies can do these types of things with the help of a great instructor like you! Thank you, thank you! ❤

[@handydadtv]

Glad to hear! “I am woman, hear me roar!”

[@Josephacoiro]

Not bad for an IT guy! Super helpful Chris! Long time it’s been since the Merck days!! Was trying to search for a simple video and low and behold, there you were!! Hope you are doing well!!

[@handydadtv]

Hey Joe! Yeah it’s been a minute. Thanks for the note. I’m at BMS now and this is my side gig/retirement plan.

[@delta7087]

I was looking for this today when I was gonna wire a light. You answered my questions. Thanks so much.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@sferree28]

Thank you so much! I added an overhead switched light, and now i know how to wire the exiting switched outlet with the new overhead light. Saved me a lot of money! Great videos

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@williamtaylor5122]

Well done Chris. Glad I found your videos. I almost went a different, more expensive way, but your video saved me some money. Thanks.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@alimoini4718]

thank you so much you just saved me $ 250 .your instruction where very clear and helpful .

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@spocksvulcanbrain]

Good video. Perfectly narrated and just the facts about how to do it.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@spocksvulcanbrain]

@@handydadtv I was looking through your videos but couldn't find an "installing an outlet from a light" one. I have an outside light over the garage that is powered by a switch at the front door. I installed a security camera next to it but there's no power. I've been using its battery feature, but they only last about a month. I have the power cord, but no outlet. Is it possible to get power from a simple light at the end of a run? I can't recall how many wires there are but think only 3 - black, white, and ground. Any advice? Or a video on this?

[@edmorris6111]

This video helped me through a wiring mess, thank you for the detailed information and instructions.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@user-ez2uw1xh3p]

What a fantastic teacher you are! Thank you and may God bless you.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@WoobieLT]

Thanks dad. helped tear out an old over burdened circuit and replaced it with fresh Romex while deleting on some runs that aren't necessary. 👌

[@handydadtv]

That’ll help you sleep at night.

[@TheRmeyPilot]

Followed his instructions and I was able to install it all perfectly! Thanks!!

[@handydadtv]

You did the hard part!!

[@TerryVBorgerd]

your demos on the board remind me of my military days great work . Super easy to follow instructions Thanks .

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@eddieimparato]

This is awesome. Thanks for the time!

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure!

[@bizHammer]

I had a kitchen fan out of code and this was how I fixed it. great video it helped thank you

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@patrickkeith6683]

Chris, GREAT video explaining everything I needed to know...(AGAIN)

[@handydadtv]

LOL Thanks 😊

[@johnnyrailroad6921]

Thank you for making a good video. It was helpful to me on a recent project of an addition of a new outlet wired in from a light switch.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@matthewbeck7282]

Awesome video helped tremendously just moved into a new house and both outlets were non functional because they were wired wrong , and one was on a switch and the other was at the end of the circuit with non functional wires attached , finding the load and the neutral helped , and then my high school electric class kicked in and i daisy chained the outlet at the end of the circuit and everything worked out . Thanks

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@JAlfredPrufrock2012]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@gaztorzambroni3831]

Your work is very good, easy to understand and fallow. You are the best. Thank you so much.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure! Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@Kerwonderful]

Excellent video. Very clear description. You have a great style. I have subscribed!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@CSipkema]

Hey sir, great video. Im an engineer by trade so of course im useless with this stuff and was trying to replace a light switch with a combo switch/outlet in storage room. She's all wired up and working now thanks to this video. Subbed for future learning.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@terrencerajasooriyer328]

Thank you, Chris H, for your cool collective explanation.

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure!

[@Ivan99705]

I appreciate the link to this video you sent me earlier today. I haven't checked the configuration of my switch, but previous experience with my house wiring makes me suspect that what I have will end up being a "switch loop". If that is the case, is it still possible to add an outlet? Thanks again for providing high quality and very informative videos that are easy to follow and understand; I appreciate your time.

[@handydadtv]

If you don’t have a neutral at the switch, you’d need to wire the outlet from the light.

[@ACE-sx8mo]

Very good. I would like to see the small but important details that nobody ever shows on these videos, like stripping the wire ends, making the loop in your pigtail and tightening the screw on it, tugging the wires to make sure they are tight, and the proper way to fold and tuck all those wire connections into the box and close it up.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@trilexfix]

Such a good video!!! Made it very easy for someone that isn’t an electrician like myself

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@karlzhou719]

Thank you so much for the tips 👍👍👍

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure!

[@johnweith962]

Hey Dad! I love your videos! You have been my go to site lately to help with some of my electrical problems around my house. I have a question though. How do you wire that switch/outlet combo so the switch controls the outlet? I need to do this for a project I am working on.

[@handydadtv]

Gotcha covered. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5CnqKKhr8ymbtk

[@user-yi7wo6qn5i]

In the past I had replaced a switch with a switch and a tamper-resistant outlet. So, planning to do it again was a no brainer. That was until I started to remove the switch only to discover there were three black wires and one ground attached to the switch. One Romex wire coming into the electric box from the bottom and two going out the top! Thats when I go to KZbin and eventually found Chris. This is a single gang box. However, to my surprise, it turned out to be the power source for three other switches. Chris's explanation was not for my situation but the way he described what had to be done to provide continual pawer to the outlet and light was all I needed. In the end I ran one pigtail to the neutral connection. Main power supply to the black screw for the outlet. Black wire to the brass crew for the ceiling light. Also used the remaining black screw for the power source to the three switches, instead of a pigtail. Of course, a wire to the ground. They all work, thanks to Chris's help. 😀

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻 Good job figuring it out even though it didn’t match my example exactly.

[@erik8999]

Any way you would be willing to help with a issue I have? I have replaced all outlets and switches in my basement but I have one outlet/Switch that I have two wire that I don’t know where they go. I hate to hire an electrician for two wires. Thanks

[@handydadtv]

@erik8999 Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3KoomCvq8-lr7M

[@erik8999]

@@handydadtv I will check out the video this morning. Thank you

[@wstt4]

Thanks for the video. If I want to do this to attic outlet, can and should I do a GFCI outlet in case the fan I am powering overheats and shorts out, which I hope would never happen? Can I also just buy a bigger blue box to house all the wires since it’s just a box in the attic? Or can I add another blue box before the switch that would split the wire before coming into the switch so after splitting from the new blue split box one set of wires goes to the switch and other set goes to the new outlet? (Sorry if I have the terminology wrong. )

[@handydadtv]

You don’t ever need a GFCI outlet in an attic (it doesn’t detect shorts anyway). But I don’t think you should use an outlet at all. If you’re installing an attic ventilation fan or whole-house fan, they should be hardwired.

[@wstt4]

@@handydadtv I want an outlet and not hard wired bc I want to plug the fan into a smart wifi outlet in so I can turn on the fan remotely using my phone when I want an increase in airflow to certain rooms. Basically a few guest rooms my 4 ton Lennox central HVAC unit doesn’t cool well enough because the foil ducts are too narrow, so I was thinking of putting a fan in the duct to boost and pull / push more cold air into those rooms when needed. A wifi outlet would let me use my phone to turn it on when needed. (I explored redoing the duct work but got a quote of like $10k. )

[@wstt4]

Can I also just buy a bigger blue box to house all the wires since it’s just a box in the attic? Or can I add another blue box before the switch that would split the wire before coming into the switch so after splitting from the new blue split box one set of wires goes to the switch and other set goes to the new outlet? (Sorry if I have the terminology wrong. )

[@handydadtv]

@wstt4 Ok you’re installing duct fans. You can do what you want, but it would be best to have them thermostatically controlled so you don’t need to remember to turn them on and off.

[@tierrawhitaker-xv8jy]

Very helpful ❤

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@harrismohammad5009]

You're my hero. Thank you.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@osu9400]

Nice video! I need to add a new switch to control a new outlet. I'm assuming I can follow this same procedure but instead of an outlet, I would add the switch then connect that to the outlet?

[@handydadtv]

Yes, just be sure to switch the hot (black) wire only.

[@the-real-angus-young]

Great demo 👌🏻

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@surferdude642]

Most modern homes use separate circuits for switches and receptacles and the switches, typically for lights, are on 15 amp circuits. Now you're adding a receptacle to a lighting or other low power anticipated circuit. It's not necessarily a bad thing, as many receptacles can be on 15 amp circuits. If you're adding a receptacle to power a room heater for example you should have a 20 amp circuit.

[@handydadtv]

Correct! Thanks 😊

[@ACE-sx8mo]

Every *correctly* installed 15 amp circuit, whether intended for lights or for outlets, has the exact same load capacity rating of 1800 to 2000 watts. A lighting circuit can have a multiple outlets on it, as long as the total load at any given time does not exceed 1800w. Space heaters draw a maximum of 1500w and are safe to use on 15a circuits, with a couple hundred watts to spare for lights, TV etc.

[@walter.bellini]

Thank you for the video I have garage that has two lights inside but no outlet. I tried once a while ago and it just kept blowing the circuit breaker when I connected the shared switch/outlet combo. Since it is a very old house there are only two (fabric wrapped) wires going from the basement to the outside (detached) garage. I think this might be a switch loop as you mentioned since there is only two wires (like a positive and negative). I can’t get that setup to work correct? Seems that I would really need to replace all the BX wiring inside the garage to new modern standards and see if I can run/pull a new 12 gauge Romex through the underground pipe that feeds the garage. Let me know thank you

[@handydadtv]

Where is the switch that controls the garage lights? If it’s in the garage, then you must have a hot and neutral there so you should be able to add an outlet. With fabric insulation, you typically have a metal box that may be grounded by the shielded cable. You can check with a voltage tester across the hot and metal box. Even if you can get it to work, I’d really recommend upgrading all your wiring. You probably need a new panel as well, but get an electrician for that. Prepare your garage for an electric vehicle someday.

[@walter.bellini]

@@handydadtv Thank you for your reply Our panel is modern are we are using current new circuit breakers and not round screw in buss style fuses which is great. By the basements back door the two lines go underground through a metal conduit over to the garage to where the switch is, where it controls two very simple lights. I know that the correct process would be to run new lines but was curious if I was doing something wrong if there is a possibility to get it going before getting the new lines run. Was thinking about run romex through that conduit pipe to get 12 gauge there to support a 20 AMP circuit breaker. Not sure if the romex would fit. But thank you for answering my question, appreciated.

[@handydadtv]

Actually, I don’t think you should run Romex in conduit. I would use THWN wire, which are individual waterproof conductors. Get 3 spools - white, black and green. Attach pulling twine (2 strands for redundancy) to the old wires and hope it comes through the conduit from the basement to the garage. Then attach the THWN wires to one strand of the twine. Have a helper grease the wires in the basement with cable pulling lubricant while you pull that strand from the garage and pray they don’t come off the twine. If they do, try again with the second strand of twine. Good luck!

[@user-ju3yv8xj5f]

Simple to understand and gave me the confidence to check on this myself…hopefully there’s 2 black wires or I’ll be lost hah. Thank you! What is my move if I want to install an outlet a couple feet below my light switch and there’s only 1 black wire going to the switch…

[@handydadtv]

Find another source.

[@KinBDutMean]

I subbed Sir. Thanks for the knowledge. 👊🏽😊

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for subscribing! Welcome to the family!

[@hezekiahbard91]

Love this!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@user-sg2pj2hx4h]

Great video. How would you trace wires. I have two red wires coming into a box. One from the top and the other from the bottom. I want to add an outlet.

[@handydadtv]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3KoomCvq8-lr7M

[@Hopefullymarried]

really enjoyed this...im wanting to add a gable fan inside my attic....there is only one outlet, for the light....i was wondering if i could use the split outlet, switch for light & always hot plug outlet for my fan? i was informed i should not use extension cord, but at 14/2cord with one end hard wire into fan but plug into outlet....is this possible and or safe?

[@handydadtv]

It’s not kosher to use a plug on Romex cable. Just hard-wire that cable into the outlet box.

[@juanjceballos5536]

Love it thanks 🙏🏻

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@medit4tive]

Thanks for the video, super helpful! So if I have a switch with just a hot and no neutral there's no way to add an outlet to that, right?

[@handydadtv]

Correct.

[@luislam6548]

Wish you made this more clear in the video

[@handydadtv]

@luislam6548 How much clearer could “you need a hot and a neutral” be?

[@RaulRamirez1963]

Thank you Chris for the video, I like your clear instructions and explanations. Now I have a question, I have a 3-switch box with no ground, and one switch is no longer in use, can I add a GFCI using the wires for the switch that is no longer in use and add a smart switch to one of the 3 switches? I hope you can understand what I am trying to do, or if you like I can send you pictures of the wiring that I mentioned. Thank you, I really appreciate your time.

[@handydadtv]

I understand. You can only add an outlet (GFCI or not) if you have a neutral in the box for that circuit. It’s important that you don’t use a hot from one circuit and a neutral from another. Smart switches often require a neutral wire as well. Some don’t.

[@RaulRamirez1963]

@handydadtv Thank Chris for your response. I appreciated .

[@tommont1824]

Great video, Chris. I am going to put an outside outlet on my deck, if it was the end of a run on the inside outlet, it would be simple, but would you please show me how to add the outside outlet from a middle of the run outlet by pig tailing. Thank you.

[@handydadtv]

Watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZ2vaYuegLKBipo

[@buddypreece1716]

YOU're THE MAN!!!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@jarviscorley8860]

Thanks great video

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@ismichelman]

Such a helpful video - very clear and concise! I just installed a new outlet by drawing power from a Lutron smart switch rather than a single pole as used in the example video. Everything works great, outlet tester shows correct lights, Lutron smart switch turns on and off the ceiling lights without affecting power to the outlet. However, if I have something plugged into the outlet (like my Dyson battery) and the ceiling light is turned off, it flickers on and off without over and over until I turn the lights back on. Would you have an idea of how to fix that? Maybe it’s not possible for draw power from a smart switch to power an always hot outlet? Would appreciate any suggestions!

[@handydadtv]

Where does power ENTER the circuit (the ceiling box, the switch box, or the outlet box)?

[@LuisGarcia-vg1dv]

great video thanks to this could wire my enclosed trailer 👍

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@ssacra22]

Great explanation. One question. If running from a switch that has black top, black bottom on the light switch and neutrals wire-nutted together as this example has, but there is no ground in the box, can I still run it just like this but just use a metal box and GCFI outlet on the other end. ie, run the black and white exactly as you did here, eliminating the ground wire use from the 12/2? Thanks in advance.

[@handydadtv]

If you have a metal box, that’s probably grounded by a shielded cable. So, first make sure your town allows you to use unshielded cable, then be sure to bond the ground wire to the original metal box. You just need to figure out which of the black wires are hot all the time.

[@jessicajones2091]

Thanks so much for posting these kind of videos! When I look inside my existing light switch box, the green wires (ground) are not connected to the switch. The two green wires are connected together with a wire nut, but not connected to the switch. Do I need to add a pigtail and attach the switch ground to the rest of the wires when I add the outlet?

[@handydadtv]

Yes, if the switch has a ground screw, it should be pigtailed to the ground wires.

[@bb55555555]

you are correct. ideally this works but most older homes this won't work. my house has that problem. virtually all the switches are using the neutral as the second hot.

[@handydadtv]

Very typical in old homes.

[@Rob-dp3vr]

I loved the video, but wish you could do more close up shots of the different steps you mention.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@janetkouns7800]

Excellent video!! Question for you. I have a wall switch that controls a lower wall outlet. What I want to do is take that light swich and use it for new overhead lights. How would I do that? Thank you!!

[@handydadtv]

You’ll need to run a wire from the switch box to the new lights. Then you’ll need to figure out how the switch and outlet are wired then change it so the switch works the light instead of the outlet.

[@DHollos1053]

I know that electricity diminishes over distance. How many outlets could you possibly run on the same line? Would like to add atleast 4 but preferably 6 outlets to a room with only a light fixture and a switch for said light fixture.

[@handydadtv]

If you have a room with one light and no outlets, you can be sure that light is on a circuit with a lot of other things! Theoretically there is no limit to the number of outlets on a circuit. It’s only limited by the capacity of your circuit breaker. But I’d seriously consider running a new circuit for 6 outlets.

[@ShaulTzuar]

Hoping you can help. I very carefully followed your instructions and bundled my neutral with the other neutrals. I also pig tailed my hot wire as you did. I grounded my ground with the other grounds. The light is a fourescent ballast type 2 lamp arrangement T8 48”. It’s on a 15amp breaker. When I turn power on, and the switch is on the plug is hot, when it’s off the plug goes dead. Thoughts?

[@handydadtv]

Somehow, the hot lead going to the outlet is switched, not always hot. You need to use a voltage tester to figure out why. Remember, some electricians use the white wire for hot without marking it with tape. It’s a bad practice, but it happens. One thing you can rely on is the ground is always ground. So use your voltage tester across ground and black, and ground and white to see which wires are hot. Unfortunately, wiring isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each electrician has their own style. Plus there’s a possibility one of the previous homeowners hacked something incorrectly.

[@ShaulTzuar]

@@handydadtv yes!!! I just needed to check for the hot wire! Once I got that figured out, it was smooth sailing. Works great now! Thank you!

[@avproductions5184]

So I’m trying to take power from the light switch in the attic and I used the first method to do just that. However I wanted to run some items off a power outlet in the attic and had not considered your second method. I was able to use both methods for one project.

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@slyde319]

Thanks! So if I only have one line (black,white & ground) in my attic going to a light I will not be able to install an outlet off it and still keep the light? I'm trying to add an outlet to my existing atttic light for a pre amplifier to my new tv antenna.

[@handydadtv]

That won’t work because the hot is switched. You need a constant hot. I show how to find a power source in an attic in this video when I installed 3 ceiling fans: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ3NlqmonruJfJY

[@technousr]

Do you have a video of installing an outdoor motion sensor for lighting with an override switch to turn on the light directly? How would you need to wire this if you had a 3 way already installed?

[@handydadtv]

How to add an Outdoor Light from Outlet kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSTmouVbNh5oNU

[@TheLawngineer]

Great video!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks Vince 😊

[@handydadtv]

What’s up with you, bro? Taking the winter off??

[@TheLawngineer]

@@handydadtv yeah, been busy taking care of my dad and getting some projects done around the house. Gonna start back up soon. Hope all is well with you and the family!

[@NickGoldsworthy]

hi, my light switch doesn't have a ground wire, can i still run an outlet from it ? will a GFCI be ok to use in this case ?

[@handydadtv]

If it’s a metal box, check to see if it’s grounded. It may be. You can add an outlet, even a GFCI, without a ground, but you still need a neutral.

[@NickGoldsworthy]

ok thankyou, appreciate the speedy reply.@@handydadtv

[@packerslover562]

Thank you so much you

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@randallmartin4357]

Is it possible to connect a plug to a 3-way light switch. The plug is going to be in an entry hall closet and only to charge the battery for a Dyson Stick Vacuum. It isn’t going to pulling very many amps.

[@handydadtv]

Sure, if your switch has a constant hot and a neutral.

[@rogerwideman7020]

I want to put an outlet under the kitchen counter to power the dishwasher and a new garbage disposal. The disposal will also need a switch that I want to add to an existing box with a switch for a ceiling light. Also thinking I could add a double switch in the existing light switch box. Thoughts?

[@handydadtv]

You should check your local electric code. The dishwasher may need a dedicated circuit. You can use a doubles switch for the disposal, or change the box to 2-gang and add a switch.

[@30guarino]

Chris, in your video at the 1:10 mark I have a switch that connected exactly like that, I'm trying to add a GFCI outlet from the switch, I have 2 wires(plus ground ) running to the switch box from the new outlet box. I have the black and white wires connected to the LINE side on GFCI outlet. But I can not seem to get the outlet to work even pressed in the reset and test button once it's wired. I have the white wire (which is probably supposed to be black)connected to the gold screw and the black always hot wire pigtailed to the black wire from the outlet. The white neutral is capped off. Can you shed some 'light' as to why the outlet is not working?? ( Note: the switch still works and the tester is beeping on the outlet)

[@handydadtv]

Rewatch that section. You may have missed where I said your white wire is NOT a neutral so you can’t run an outlet from that switch.

[@30guarino]

@@handydadtv ok thanks for the clarification I asked because didn’t hear you say ‘You can’t ‘ do it

[@dreamer541]

Hi handy dad great video, question if I get a ground bonding clip on an outlet? do I need a ground wire

[@handydadtv]

Homes built before 1951 may not have ground wires. If you have them, you need to connect them.

[@dreamer541]

@@handydadtv yes my house was built around that time and it doesn’t have a ground wire at all, that’s the reason for my question, will GBC take the place of the ground wire? Also what is the proper sequence for connecting switches and outlets? Thank you

[@handydadtv]

@dreamer541 Only if your box is grounded. Use a volt meter and test across the hot wire and metal box. If you get no voltage, your box isn’t grounded and it makes no difference.

[@dreamer541]

@@handydadtv got it thank you very much

[@EmmanuelMunet]

Awesome video! I replicated these same steps but somehow got the Rev Hot/Grd lights on in the tester. The light turns on fine and the tester says it's correct, however, when the light is turned on, the tester gives me that message (Rev Hot/Grd). Any clue?

[@handydadtv]

Correct that ASAP. Very dangerous shock hazard. Call an electrician or if you can’t figure it out.

[@GoldenChickenSan]

Weirdly same thing happened to me. Did you find out why?

[@luisdelnido1934]

Hi. So if I dont have a nuetral and just switch loop...can I still add an outlet

[@handydadtv]

No

[@armandoaltamirano4159]

Hi Mr Dadtv I’m trying to add a outlet from other outlet but the one I trying to used to add my outside outlet has a ( open ground ) do you have any tips to how to fix this open ground ? I’m not a electrician I learning from you and other electricians in KZbin

[@handydadtv]

There’s a broken connection somewhere between the breaker panel and your outlet. This might be helpful:

[@handydadtv]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3KoomCvq8-lr7M

[@splitfin09]

Great video, thank you but I do need to know how to connect an outlet to a switch/outlet. 🤓

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@sivabellam8180]

Good video, informative and clear. where are you located?

[@handydadtv]

New Jersey

[@jchap2953]

I have switch loop, is it possible to add a combination switch to have it control the light and keep the receptacle always on? Thanks

[@handydadtv]

No

[@RaphaelAshanti]

I tried adding an outlet to the GFCI combo that you demonstrated in another video. It all works fine except every time I turn the light switch off I have to hit the GFCI reset to turn it back on. I think what I did differently was to connect the light fixtures' hot and neutral as the load. Where did I go wrong? Thanks.

[@handydadtv]

You should be commenting on that other video because it could help others who have the same issue. Go back to that video and rewatch how the light switch was wired. Then only connect the second outlet to the load.

[@RaphaelAshanti]

@@handydadtv I figured it out. I didn't have an issue with the light fixture and combo switch process. My issue arose when I tried adding a regular outlet to the special GFCI combo switch vs. the regular switch on display here. I can copy and paste this question over there if you think it will help someone else. Thanks. You have the best explanations on KZbin. Thanks. I'm a subscriber.👍👍

[@handydadtv]

Glad you figured it out!

[@mattjohnson6963]

How can I add a new switch for a different light if I only have one -12/2 w ground coming in box. The power is coming from light box and has a white wire with tape on it ( main hot) and a black wire (assuming that’s neutral)? Your advise would be appreciated! Thanks

[@handydadtv]

If both wires are connected to the switch, you don’t have a neutral so you can’t add another switch there. Find another power source.

[@johnnydaniel5821]

Thank you

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@user-dv6ck4if3d]

Great Video, I would like to remove a switch and replace it with an outlet. Can that be done safely?

[@handydadtv]

Typically yes. But if the white wire is connected to the switch, you need to find the other end and convert it to a neutral wire to use with an outlet.

[@akhtara.164]

What do you do if you have that switch loop and no neutral wire?

[@handydadtv]

Find another source of power for your new outlet.

[@seattlebest79]

On the 2nd options. Can you still add another outlet? Thanks

[@handydadtv]

You need a hot, neutral and ground.

[@jairoleal1605]

thank you

[@handydadtv]

My pleasure

[@antoniobengco980]

I saw that a wire from your light switch is the White Romex 14 gauge , is it ok for an outlet to use also a white romex 14 gauge wire ? isn't it you supposed to be using the Yellow Romex 12 gauge for an outlet ?

[@handydadtv]

It depends on the size of the circuit breaker. 15 amp circuits only require 14 gauge wire. 20 amp circuits require 12 gauge wire.

[@RevMarkTorgerson]

I am needing help with changing a 2 prong plug to a grounded outlet. It is in a 3 way light circuit. I plan to run a separate ground wire. The problem is the 2 prong outlet has 2 blue wires on one side and one black wire on the other. So, which color goes on the gold screw, and what on the silver.

[@handydadtv]

I can’t say for sure. You need to get a voltage tester to verify which wires are hots and which are neutrals. Usually this is done by testing against the ground. Hot to ground will show voltage. Neutral to ground will not. However, knowing it’s a switched circuit, be sure to test with the switches in every different orientation.

[@paulflorida8640]

Hi, Great info, but I already have a lamp post outside and the switch to turn it on inside , but I would like to add an outlet to the bottom of the lamp post and keep one outlet live and the other not live. I want to put on the lamp post and use the new outlet box at the bottom of lamp post for plugging in Christmas lights. Can you help me on how to hook up that both will work. Thanks Paul

[@handydadtv]

You have two options. One is to run another wire (hard). The other is to leave the switch on and install a smart bulb (easy).

[@paulflorida8640]

Hi Chris, Thanks for getting back to me, so if I install the smart bulb this will go out when I turn the switch off but the receptacle will be live. I was going to add the receptacle at the bottom of the lamp post. Paul

[@handydadtv]

No, the power to the pole is from the switch so you need to leave the switch ON all the time to keep the outlet on. Then install a smart bulb that can turn on and off automatically. You could also use a dusk-to-dawn bulb.

[@paulflorida8640]

@@handydadtv Thank you so much. Appreciate your help and love your videos.

[@robertw5763]

If i have 2 light switches that are wired with 2 hot black wires on each with the constant hot pigtailed to the second switch, can I attach a second hot wire on the same screw that the pigtail is attached to and run it straight down along with neutral amd ground to add an outlet. The main constant hot wire and the pigtailed hot wire from the second switch is on one screw and i dont want to put a 3rd hot on that same screw if i don't need to. I'd basically be using the switches pigtailed constant hot wire to extend down about 2 feet for an outlet.

[@handydadtv]

You can’t put two wires on one screw unless it’s a back-wired receptacle designed for that. Most are not. But it’s fine to connect all the hots with a wire nut.

[@handydadtv]

One concern, which I neglected to mention in the video, is any high current device you plug in there will likely cause your lights to flicker.

[@robertw5763]

I would just be basically running 2 pigtails from a switch's constant power to a second switch as well as a power outlet below. I don't know any other way to connect to that main black wire to extend it down to an outlet without attaching it to the switches constant hot terminal. I'm definitely not an electrician.

[@marlondutra7964]

Can you make video how to add light from outlet controlled by switch I need my room ceiling light and I like to add from the outlet

[@handydadtv]

Follow this, just skip adding the switch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/roC9p2Rtd7WHkKM

[@benpainter5384]

Buen trabajo amigo

[@handydadtv]

Gracias

[@hinterlanderswellness]

Thanks! I wonder though; Why doesn't the "white to light, dark to dark" rule apply to your switchbox that you opened up?

[@handydadtv]

That was a common practice in old homes, but not allowed code now. If you use a white wire as a conductor, you need to color it with tape or marker.

[@ericm2235]

So in the beginning of the video you showed a single pole switch. Is it possible to wire a switch/outlet combo in place of a single pole switch?

[@handydadtv]

Possibly. Watch this kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnbSfH-ah7yIfKc (it doesn’t need to be a GFCI outlet).

[@ericm2235]

@@handydadtv Thanks! I actually meant to say in place of a switch loop. I figured it out though, I just got rid of the loop and made the single set of cables in the switch the supply to a new fixture I was adding.

[@MisterCanning]

"how to add an outlet from a switch" ^ Hello, Mr. HandyDad. That is an awesome video. Can you please tell me if instead of adding an outlet from a switch...can I add a switch from a switch, by using all of the exact wiring patterns that you used in the first segment of the video? (I want to run wires from an existing switch and into an adjoining room for a new constant powered switch/and light) Thank you

[@handydadtv]

Yes. Same rules apply: you need a hot and neutral to extend the circuit.

[@MisterCanning]

@@handydadtv ... Sounds real good, Sir. Currently, power leaves an end of the line outlet(plug-in) and goes to the switch box. That switch box is wired up to a ceiling light. In that switch box, both whites are connected together under a wing nut. The two grounds are connected together and then pigtailed to the green screw on the switch. Both blacks are connected to the side screws on the switch. Sooooooo, based on your response, I can now wire that existing switch through the wall and into the next room to a brand new switch and a brand new wall light. ^^^^^ Which in a nutshell, is the same wiring layout as how you added an outlet from a switch in the first segment of your video [but in my case will be adding a switch from a switch] Super big thanks for your video and response. I'll start this project immediately. Cheers

[@MisterCanning]

@@handydadtv ... While getting ready to start the job here right now based on your video/your reply, I was quickly wondering if in your opinion it would be better/easier if I installed the new switch/and light directly from the existing outlet as opposed to from my originally proposed existing switch? The difference from that first proposal is that this new method would mean BOTH the new & old switches would then be connected in the plugin. [as opposed to both being connected in the same switchbox]

[@handydadtv]

@MisterCanning I can’t say which would be easier. Typically the shortest run, but it depends on obstructions. It’s a judgment call.

[@MisterCanning]

@@handydadtv ...Okay. Good to know for my next project :-)

[@user-fn4uy4ig7l]

How can I wire my single light switch has two black wires and one red wire to the light swich + outlet one that you have on this video?

[@handydadtv]

You can’t without a neutral.

[@MNJAB1]

Hi, great video but I have an issue. I opened my light switch and 2 black and a ground were connected. I tried to test to see which black in the switch was hot and both black wires lit up my tester. Then, inside of the box, there are 2 additional white wires tied together, 2 additional ground wires tied together and 2 more additional 2 black wires joined together. So, that is a total of 4 black wires. 2 in the light switch and 2 tied together. Not sure what to do or how to proceed Can I take one of the additional black, white and copper wires and run it to the new outlet I am installing?

[@handydadtv]

Sounds like a lot of wires in a single gang switch box. I wouldn’t add another for the new outlet. I’d look for another power source.

[@ChrisLittleWebDeveloper]

I have a switch that has 3 blacks going into it, 1 hot "stabbed" into the bottom a black on the bottom screw going to a different set of wires (possibly a receptacle) and the black going to the switch. (1 neutral, 1 ground). To add a plug, will I need a pigtail to the switch AND back to that other set of wires? Can I use the top screw, or does that have to be white?

[@handydadtv]

If I understand you correctly, the bottom two wires on the switch are always connected. One of them brings constant power in (also called the LINE); the other sends power out to other devices on the circuit. The top screw only gets power when the switch is turned ON. So if you want to add an outlet, you’ll connect your new black wire to the two black wires from the bottom of the switch, plus a pigtail to the switch. Leave the top screw alone.

[@loualcaraz6497]

So if there is no neutral wire in the light switch box you’d have to run one from the light fixture box to the light switch box to the new outlet box, correct?

[@handydadtv]

I wouldn’t do that. I’d find a different power source for the new outlet.

[@Silverjim75]

I have a simple question that's not so simple to me. I have a simple basement light that's powered by a switch & I want to power a outlet from the light. Is it just run wires over to the outlet & connect the wires like in the light box.

[@handydadtv]

If you do that, the outlet will also be controlled by the switch, meaning the outlet and the light will go on and off together. Is that what you want?

[@alimoini4718]

Hi , can an outlet be added to a three way switch ? Thanks

[@handydadtv]

You can only wire an outlet from the box where power ENTERS your 3-way circuit. Watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5LNqpuNpbpsnNE

[@tamimorales1116]

How do I add an outlet to the opposite wall of a light switch controlled outlet? Should I just install a one plug outlet?

[@handydadtv]

Opposite wall in the room, or opposite side of the same wall?

[@deadpocketss]

So how would you do that with a switch loop? The white/hot from the light would get pigtailed with the black from the outlet onto the bottom of the switch and then the black/neutral from the light would get pigtailed with the white from the outlet onto the top of the switch?

[@handydadtv]

If both wires are connected to the switch, you don’t have a neutral and can’t connect an outlet without one. You can wire the outlet from the light, or from another source.

[@ididitmydamnself89]

Good morning I am putting in a dual switch and outlet but it has a white as the switch leg and a hot. How do I put in the outlet if there is no nuetral?

[@handydadtv]

Find another power source.