Dear Robert:
As usual, whether or not you can add an outlet where you now have a
switch, depends on how the switch is situated in relationship to the light. If
the switch box also has two white wires in it, which are tied together, then
you can probably add a combination switch and outlet, code permitting. In that
case it would be wise to put in a short section of white wire and then tie the
three together, with the other end of the short wire going to the white side of
the outlet. The black wires should be checked to see which wire goes to the
light and which goes to your breaker box. The black wire going to the breaker
box should have a short section of black wire attached, which you may be able
to do at the hot side of the switch. The short section of black then should be
attached to the black or hot wire screw on the outlet. The black wire going
to the light should go to the other side of the switch. All naked grounds
should be tied together with a short jumper to go to the lug on the outlet
which is there for that purpose.
If the switch box only has one pair of wires plus the naked ground, then
you can not safely install an out let at that location, unless you are willing
to do away with your light. I once had a law partner who went ahead with such
a plan, despite my telling him that it would not work. It turned out that
neither the vacuum cleaner nor the light would work satisfactorily, as he
essentially had them in series. It was a hoot and one of those times where Jr.
partner gets to say, "I told you so".
If your heart is set on an out let in that situation, screw in a twenty amp
fuse in the light and hook an out let to the wires in the current switch box,
with the power turned off at the breaker box.
Changing a light bulb with the light switch in the off position should not
present any danger, if properly installed.
Yours Truly,
Clifford Wilson
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert J. Moore
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 1:13 PM
Subject: [BlindHandyMan] Over head lights and switches/outlets
Two questions
I have a light switch in my garage in the front. also the wall outlet is in
the back and is not as handy as whare the light switch is. I would like to
take out the light switch and put in a light switch/outlet. I have a friend
that is pretty handy. is this a pretty streight forward task and can this be
done by your average Joe long as you get the colors correct?
also Just out of curiosity with an over head light If I were to replace one
I would turn off the braker just to be on the safe side. but if you leave
the braker on and turn off the light switch what is your chance of getting
shocked, provided it is whired correctly in the first place?
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