Switched Outlet help
#1
03-10-17, 05:39 AM
Switched Outlet help
I am installing an overhead light in a bedroom, there currently is no overhead light, and the switch controls the outlet. There is only 1 14/2 romex going into the outlet and at the switch there are 4 14/2 romex wires. All the white wires are tied together and 1 black wire goes straight to switch and there is a jumper wire going to the other 3 black wires that are tied together. I want to make the outlet stay on full time and add another romex wire to control overhead light. If i remove the jumper wire and take the other black wire on the switch and tie it into the other black wires will this make the outlet be on full time? Also the switch box is only 18 cu in which i believe is already out of code should i add a bigger box to accommodate so many wires? Thanks for the help. Mike
#2
03-10-17, 07:14 AM
Member
Hi,you are right remove the single black from the switch and connect it to the group of blacks,leave the jumper on the switch to feed the light,black from the light is connected the the other side of the switch and the white to the bundle of whites in the box,the type of box you have will help determine if it must be replaced,post a pic.
Geo
Geo
#3
03-10-17, 08:53 AM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
4) 14-2 cables = 8 x 2cu in. = 16 cu in.
1) grounds = 2 cu in.
1) switch = 4 cu in.
1) cable clamp- inside box = 1 cu in.
You are currently at 22 cu in. and will go to 24 cu in. with the addition of another 14-2 NM/b.
A standard plastic old work box is only available up to 20 cu in.
A nail on plastic box is available up to 22 cu in.
You could install a two gang box and use two switches.
Mod Note: The #14 counts as 2 cubic inches. Any device counts as two conductors. All clamps and grounds count as one each.
A single gang new work plastic box does not have a clamp
4) 14-2 cables = 8 x 2cu in. = 16 cu in.
1) grounds = 2 cu in.
1) switch = 4 cu in.
1) cable clamp- inside box = 1 cu in.
You are currently at 22 cu in. and will go to 24 cu in. with the addition of another 14-2 NM/b.
A standard plastic old work box is only available up to 20 cu in.
A nail on plastic box is available up to 22 cu in.
You could install a two gang box and use two switches.
Mod Note: The #14 counts as 2 cubic inches. Any device counts as two conductors. All clamps and grounds count as one each.
A single gang new work plastic box does not have a clamp
Last edited by pcboss; 03-11-17 at 10:39 AM. Reason: math and note
#4
03-11-17, 09:15 AM
im currently planning on putting in just an overhead light but would it be a good idea to use 14-3 for possible fan installation in the future? If i used a 2 gang box any chance it would slip in the same hole without cutting out any more sheetrock?
#5
03-11-17, 09:17 AM
Group Moderator
If i used a 2 gang box any chance it would slip in the same hole without cutting out any more sheetrock?
#6
03-11-17, 10:41 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Please see the revised post math above. You need a two gang box.
I would use a two gang Smartbox that will screw to the stud.
I would use a two gang Smartbox that will screw to the stud.
