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10-15-2009, 05:41 PM
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#1
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Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 10
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
I need to install a new electrical outlet but the closet power source is a light switch just above the area where I need the outlet. Can I "borrow" some power from this switch? I do not want the switch to control the outlet, I want constant power.
Thanks
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10-15-2009, 05:47 PM
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#2
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Electrical Contractor
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Newnan GA
Posts: 5,008
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
If you have a hot and a neutral in the switch box, then you can add the receptacle.
__________________
Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"
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10-15-2009, 05:48 PM
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#3
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Xtreme DIY'r
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: South of Boston, MA
Posts: 17,248
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
What wires are in the wall switch box?
You need black, white & ground
And the white can't be used as a switch loop - which is supposed to be remarked with black tape
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10-15-2009, 05:49 PM
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#4
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Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 10
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
I am on my way to look, I will see what is in there and let you know. I have not removed the switch plate yet.
thanks for the quick replies.
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10-15-2009, 06:29 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Nashua, NH, USA
Posts: 6,736
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
With just two covered wires (not counting the bare or green ground wire) coming into the entire box, you cannot take power from the switch whether or not the new receptacle is to be controlled by the switch.
__________________
The disadvantages of crab apple trees. In summer, the apples are too sour to pick and eat. In winter the birds come and leave dropping all over the place.
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10-15-2009, 09:01 PM
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#6
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Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 10
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
in the box there is a white (neutral), a black (hot) and the ground wire. The neutral and hot have wire caps on them, so can I just tie into these with the new wiring?
thanks.
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10-15-2009, 09:03 PM
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#7
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Xtreme DIY'r
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: South of Boston, MA
Posts: 17,248
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
How many cables are coming into the box? Just one ?
Can you post a pic ?
If there is only 1 cable then it is a switch loop - no neutral
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10-15-2009, 09:08 PM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,294
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
Quote:
in the box there is a white (neutral), a black (hot) and the ground wire. The neutral and hot have wire caps on them, so can I just tie into these with the new wiring?
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You said it was a switch box so..... no.
in the box there is a white (hot), a black (switch leg) and the ground wire.
Quote:
The neutral and hot have wire caps on them, so can I just tie into these with the new wiring?
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So it WAS a switch box ....you think?
If it was a switch box you will have to do some rewire in the light it controlled. If it was a receptacle box you are good to go.
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10-15-2009, 09:17 PM
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#9
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Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 10
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
Since I am a novice here are a few pictures.
Thanks
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10-15-2009, 09:31 PM
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#10
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Xtreme DIY'r
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: South of Boston, MA
Posts: 17,248
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
OK, multiple cables going into the box, and a short section of black wire goes to the switch & then to the light
Looks like you do have hot & neutral at that switch box
I don't suppose you have a voltage meter to test?
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10-15-2009, 09:34 PM
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#11
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Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 10
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
I dont - so do we think this is possible?
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10-15-2009, 09:39 PM
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#12
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Xtreme DIY'r
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: South of Boston, MA
Posts: 17,248
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
Yes, now however its a matter if a 4th wire will exceed the box fill for that box
Can you see any writing inside the box indicating how big it is/rating ?
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10-15-2009, 09:48 PM
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#13
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Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 10
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
18 cubic inch box
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10-15-2009, 10:11 PM
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#14
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Xtreme DIY'r
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: South of Boston, MA
Posts: 17,248
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
OK, 3 existing cables - are they 14g 15a....or 12g 20a circuit ?
18 cu in box
Device (switch) counts as (2) cu inches
All grounds count as (2) total
each conductor counts as (2)
You have 6 conductors = 12
Total = 18 cu inches -- assuming 14g wire
So right now you have the Max number of cables that you can have in that box
You would need to take that box out & put a larger box in
That could be a problem
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10-15-2009, 10:24 PM
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#15
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Newbie
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 10
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New outlet using power from a nearby switch.
Ok, I will just install a larger box. Thanks for your help, you have been a great help. I will post again and let you know how it goes.
Thanks Dave and by the way your house looks great!
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