Adding an outlet where there is an existing switch
I currently don't have an electrical outlet in my bathroom. There is an existing double switch that controls the ventillation fan and light separately. The only wires going to to that box are a black, a red, a white and a ground. The white is connected to both silver screws on the top and bottom of the switch. The black is connected to the top brass screw on the switch and the red is connected to the bottom brass screw on the switch. (See attached pictures)
Is there an easy way to add an always on outlet with a double ganged box in the same spot?
Last edited by r0ckface; 03-09-23 at 08:54 PM.
Reason: Resized images
You don't have a neutral. The white is being used as a hot.
You could rewire at the fan so that one switch controls both and then use the white for neutral.
There are already two switches there, one controls the fan, one controls the light. Do you mean I can't have two switches and a plug? Both the black and the red wires are hot in the current setup. How is the white not neutral?
With an outlet, you need a hot and neutral wire. The white wire in the switch box is not a neutral it is a hot wire supplying power to the switch(s). In order to do what you want you would have to rewire the wires at the light fixture (assuming that is where the hot wire is) so that the white wire is a neutral. You would also have to rewire so that the fan and light come on at the same time eliminating one switch.
If this does not sound like something you want then the only real option would be to run a new circuit, cut in a new box, and install an outlet there.
Thank you for that reply and drawing. It makes sense to me now. I am just going to run a new line from the circuit breaker at this point. I really appreciate everyone's help.
Ok here is the scope, I am in the phase of a remodel of my Washroom. New overhead sheetrock & all so adding my "new construction" recessed lighting "can" lighting fixture is what I am using for my application. So brings my question & which is debatable & is the reason I'd like to get some takes on this.
So I am planning to run a new 12/2 or possibly 14/2 from the panel up into the attic, & place it into a junction box and start the downstream there from the split in the junction box straight to the light switch & then on to the ceiling to start the power to the light fixtures. Now, most say from panel to switch & out to the fixtures. But the reason I want the main upstream power source from the panel to a junction box is so I can tie into that same source for the bathroom at a later date.
So thoughts or any new suggestions?
Why am I not using the existing power source for the lighting well the wiring is being redone for the washroom & bathroom is next.
Hello everyone,
I was wondering if based on the information on the fixture, can you tell the max watt bulbs it can take? A picture is attached. Right now I have 40 watt fluorescent bulbs in it but wanted to switch to LED and wanted to know the max wattage. The lights in the garage. Thanks in advance!
[img]https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x935/20230313_115130_ca9880e9b54c4a30bde1a8bcde18fd71ab8062bb.jpg[/img]
[img]https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x935/20230313_115404_1f8fbc7705a57b4b7d64e6091bbf2cfa718c213d.jpg[/img]
03-09-23, 08:41 PM
