Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Changing a switch to an outlet (Read 332 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Changing a switch to an outlet
First off I want to apologize if this isn't strictly a lazy daze oriented topic and please delete if it's not appropriate but I know there's a lot of smart people here, smarter than me and I could sure use a little help.

I want to replace this home wall light switch with a GFI outlet.


I've tested and the red wire grounded to the white wire and it is the only one showing ac voltage.


My assumption is the black wire is the send wire when the switch is in the on position?


Can I just cap that black wire and use the red and white wire for my new outlet?


Thanks







2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing a switch to an outlet
Reply #1 –
That doesn't sound right.  I'm no electrician, but typically the red wire should be the "switched" wire.  Normally, I think you should see voltage between the black and white wires, which would be the ones to use for the outlet.  Not counting the green (or maybe bare) ground wire.  I would check voltages again.

Rich
Former 2000 MB- Now Bullet Crossfire 1800RB trailer pulled by a Chevy 2500HD
Re: Changing a switch to an outlet
Reply #2 –
I just looked at your pictures.  Is the thing that that switch controled, controled by another switch in addition to this one?  If so, forget what I said.  Under normal circumstances I woulld have expected a fourth wire, probably white going to the lamp or whatever.  I'm not sure how you would proceed if that's the case.  Maybe others can help.

Rich
Former 2000 MB- Now Bullet Crossfire 1800RB trailer pulled by a Chevy 2500HD
Re: Changing a switch to an outlet
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Rich Gort  - 
That doesn't sound right.  I'm no electrician, but typically the red wire should be the "switched" wire.  Normally, I think you should see voltage between the black and white wires, which would be the ones to use for the outlet.  Not counting the green (or maybe bare) ground wire.  I would check voltages again.

Rich
Upon further review it looks like you are correct.
Thank you Rich.








2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing a switch to an outlet
Reply #4 –
Hi Ted; In residential wiring, the red wire is a secondary 'hot' wire for three way switches.  Usually an upstairs/downstairs switch to control a light. Sometimes a switch (one of two) at the entrance to a room and exit to have a light turned on or off as you pass through a hallway or room.  And the switch pair or trio can control an outlet for a plugged in floor lamp also.
   The other switch can be kept as the main switch. The second switch wiring can be 'Safed off'. Possibly it could be turned into an outlet, but would likely run afoul of National wiring standards, and if not done Exactly correctly and inspected by a government agency, could be lethal, or present a fire hazard. 
   Also; it is out of bounds here.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Changing a switch to an outlet
Reply #5 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Ted; In residential wiring, the red wire is a secondary 'hot' wire for three way switches.  Usually an upstairs/downstairs switch to control a light. Sometimes a switch (one of two) at the entrance to a room and exit to have a light turned on or off as you pass through a hallway or room.  And the switch pair or trio can control an outlet for a plugged in floor lamp also.
   The other switch can be kept as the main switch. The second switch wiring can be 'Safed off'. Possibly it could be turned into an outlet, but would likely run afoul of National wiring standards, and if not done Exactly correctly and inspected by a government agency, could be lethal, or present a fire hazard. 
   Also; it is out of bounds here.  RonB
Thanks Ron that's what I'm thinking too.
The odd part of this is that this isn't in a hallway and this is just a single switch on my garage wall that I have no idea where it goes.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing a switch to an outlet
Reply #6 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Ted; In residential wiring, the red wire is a secondary 'hot' wire for three way switches.  Usually an upstairs/downstairs switch to control a light. Sometimes a switch (one of two) at the entrance to a room and exit to have a light turned on or off as you pass through a hallway or room.  And the switch pair or trio can control an outlet for a plugged in floor lamp also.
   The other switch can be kept as the main switch. The second switch wiring can be 'Safed off'. Possibly it could be turned into an outlet, but would likely run afoul of National wiring standards, and if not done Exactly correctly and inspected by a government agency, could be lethal, or present a fire hazard. 
   Also; it is out of bounds here.  RonB

Okay my bad. I figured it out. It's the garage light I have two switches to control it.
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Changing a switch to an outlet
Reply #7 –
It looked like a 3 way switch to me. 3 way wiring confuses me some but I don't think you are a good candidate for an outlet at all unless you could trace everything back to the unswitched power source and go from there.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Changing a switch to an outlet
Reply #8 –
Thank you everyone for the replies I really appreciate it.

I did end up figuring out how this works but in reality I decided to not add an outlet on to this circuit after all for fear of overloading the circuit.

Again thanks for all the help.
2021 Mid Bath