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Question for OT electricians (change light switch to duplex outlet) ETA: Image added
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:14 pm
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:14 pm
I have a light switch out on my back porch that I want to turn into an outlet so I can put an ice maker and a deep freezer out there. I've done some basic wiring before but this I am going to need some help with. I tried just connecting it as if it were another switch but that did not work. I searched for some youtube videos but most everything in my initial search came back as how to connect a switch to an outlet, not necessarily switching a switch to an outlet. It has two wires that I assume the current runs through, a ground, and looks like two capped off (together) neutrals.
ETA: how do I turn a light switch into a duplex outlet
So it looks like we have 5 wires. A black and red with what I believe is a neutral (it is white further back but has discolored a bunch and is now gold) coming out of one cluster and then a neutral and a ground coming out of the other cluster.
[/img]
ETA: how do I turn a light switch into a duplex outlet
So it looks like we have 5 wires. A black and red with what I believe is a neutral (it is white further back but has discolored a bunch and is now gold) coming out of one cluster and then a neutral and a ground coming out of the other cluster.
[/img]This post was edited on 6/30/20 at 5:33 pm
11
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:16 pm to jlovel7
Not a single question mark in there jlovel. What are you asking? I may be able to help
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:17 pm to jlovel7
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:18 pm to sweetwaterbilly
How do I turn a light switch into a duplex outlet
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:18 pm to jlovel7
Just hook the red wire and the white wire and that will complete the circuit to hook the new wire. Make sure you’re not wearing shoes with rubber soles
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:20 pm to jlovel7
Connect the black wire to the hot terminal. Connect the white wire to the neutral terminal. Connect the bare wire to the ground screw.
ETA: what does the switch control? You can disconnect it, or hook it up so it is always energized
ETA: what does the switch control? You can disconnect it, or hook it up so it is always energized
This post was edited on 6/30/20 at 1:22 pm
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:21 pm to jlovel7
Is the light going to be on all the time? Or are you doing away with the light?
I think we are going to need a picture or a drawings of what the wires look like on that switch
I think we are going to need a picture or a drawings of what the wires look like on that switch
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:21 pm to puse01
I’ve got a black wire, a red wire, and the two neutrals as well as a ground. How do I know which terminal is which on the outlet?
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:22 pm to jlovel7
What does the switch turn on?
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:22 pm to mswiggins
quote:
Is the light going to be on all the time? Or are you doing away with the light?
I think we are going to need a picture or a drawings of what the wires look like on that switch
Doing away with the light, I’ve never used it. I’d much rather have the outlet. I will update with pictures later tonight.
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:22 pm to jlovel7
Here's my last project at my house...
Let me know if you need further advice from me on this issue...
Let me know if you need further advice from me on this issue...
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:23 pm to jlovel7
Brass screw is hot.
Silver screw is neutral
Silver screw is neutral
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:23 pm to soccerfüt
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:23 pm to jlovel7
quote:there should be a gold screw terminal and a silver screw terminal. Black and gold to the super bowl
. How do I know which terminal is which on the outlet?
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:23 pm to bee Rye
quote:
What does the switch turn on?
I assume the light on the back porch. It’s been burnt out since I’ve lived there and I’ve never needed it so I never replaced it. I need to put the switch back together and replace bulb to confirm there’s power going to it
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:23 pm to jlovel7
quote:
I’ve got a black wire, a red wire, and the two neutrals as well as a ground. How do I know which terminal is which on the outlet?
Black always to brass/gold/black terminal
Neutral to usually silver
Ground to well ground
Edit: The other set is running to whatever you are switching on/off so dont worry about it
This post was edited on 6/30/20 at 1:30 pm
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:24 pm to jlovel7
quote:
how do I turn a light switch into a duplex outlet
Are you talking about a 2 gang?
1) That light may have been wired woth 10 gauge wire. For the load you plan on putting on it, you may want to run 12 all the way back to the circuit breaker or the junction box.
2) YouTube 2 gang or double gang. I just did it this morning and I’m no electrician. It’s very easy. I used push in connector. All white, all black and all ground got their own push in connector. Wire nuts work the same way. Don’t forget to ground to the metal box.
3) You’ll need gFCI with water and humidity.
ETA: There May be 14 gauge in there. You’ll want 12
This post was edited on 6/30/20 at 2:42 pm
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:25 pm to jlovel7
I'm stopping the job here man. Is the breaker open and have you confirmed there is no power? Co-workers son got electrocuted at home last month. Spend the money on a service call if you aren't sure.
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:25 pm to bee Rye
I’d it’s a surface mounted box I would just get a 2 hang box, and keep the switch and light. More complicated if it is a box that is recessed
Posted on 6/30/20 at 1:26 pm to Gee Grenouille
quote:
I'm stopping the job here man. Is the breaker open and have you confirmed there is no power?
Hey man, wtf. I wanted to see where this was going to go. 110 wouldn’t have killed him
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