Changing a wall switch to switch/plug combination
Anyone out there an electrician? If so, here is my problem.
I have an old switch that controls the light in my garage. I would like to make this a switch/ outlet combo. I had detailed pictures that are clearly marked, but for the life of me, I can’t get this to work.
I have a multimeter and have taken readings in hopes this will help you help me
There are three pictures and merged them together, one is the old light switch (top), the other is the light switch removed just showing the wires and the third is the new combo unit I would like to use.
Does anyone have any idea on how I would go about wiring this?
I’d appreciate any help! Image is shown below – Thanks!
I am trying to do the same thing – with no success? Please let me know if you were finally successful
Al
Hi Al,
I looked everywhere, including browsing books at the bookstore and asking questions in electrical forums. In the forums, I was told over and over that it can’t be done and I need to run more wire.
I eventually, after spending way too much time trying to convert the wall switch to a combo outlet, resigned myself to running new wire. I have yet to do that, but it’s on my project list.
Please – if you find out how to do this, let me know. I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks,
Jim.
Er, um………..
I couldn’t be done because of the wiring arrangement feeding it. Very complicated to explain, easier to show you. But since I can’t show you here, I will go on with why I responded to you in the first place.
Your wire in the picture is old and dried out rubber sheathed. Notice how it looks dried out and brittle. That is an electrical problem waiting to happen. Suggest that you look at having it all looked at.
I got on your site from the ice hut pics. Plan on making one like that this summer coming
Take care
John
Looked at my previous post, and thought I would add. There is no neutral in the box. The lack of neutral, or ‘return leg’ necessary in a 129V system is what is causing the problem. If you did manage to find a combination that would feed, it would be in series with the old light bulb, which would cause a considerable voltage drop, which anything on the receptacle would find an unacceptable hinderance to its functioning
John
Well from the looks of your old wiring and the fact the switch doesn’t have On and Off on the switch (but it could be covered by paint) it might be a 3-way switch and if that’s the case you cant hook up that switch because there is no neutral for the plug another clue is there is no plug there to begin with very seldom do you run a neutral for a switch unless it needs one for a pilot light and that switch has no pilot light. You can still make this work but you have to do some rewiring. On the new plug/switch top right bronze is switch leg middle and bottom right is constant hot and bottom left is neutral and green is well the ground. My suggestion is have and electrician replace the switch for you. Hope this helps good luck (BE SAFE)!!!
The combination 3-way switch/outlet comes in about 3 variation the one i have the red wire goes to the top nearest the switch and the 2 black wires go to the 2 lower screws. the neutral wire goes to the metal box that i have.
the original concept is that the out let is independent of the switch… the other is the opposite.
different countries require different wiring…. if you are unsure and the thing is old call the Pro’s..
Trying to install from a single switch to a plug switch combo/ ,,box has 2-leads combined not going to anything ,,2- wires together going to one original switch pole and a single lead going to the other pole ,,make any sense ,,been following the different diagrams but cant find the right combination, do the 2/wire not attached to anything come into play ? house approx 50 yrs old ,,,no ground wire