[cs6000]

I want to install an electric outlet in my master bath. The ideal thing to do would be to install the outlet where an existing light switch is. The switch controls a light fixture in the closet.

I bought a combo outlet/switch, and removed the switch plate to get a look. Here's what I've got:

One cable running into the box from above. It has one black, one white, and one ground wire. That's it. Three wires.

Can this be adapted to power the outlet as well as the switch? Obviously, some "pigtails", etc would have to be added, as I would need hot wires for both the outlet and the switch. I'm not a good electrician, and am confused as to whether the wiring I've got is sufficient, or if its just a way to break the circuit to the light fixture.

Can the black/white wires be added to to achieve this project?

Thanks for your patience.

 

[joed]

You don't have a neutral in the box. You can't install a receptacle without new wiring.

 

[jimn]

That is just a switch loop. Electrically it's not possible but code wise, bathroom receptacle need to GFCI and an on a dedicated circuit
.

 

[cs6000]

You don't have a neutral in the box. You can't install a receptacle without new wiring.

This (and the other comment) are what I seem to have discovered from more internet investigation. The switch loop thing. Too bad.

I've called 3 electricians over the last year about this, but I live in a very rural area and none of them ever show up for such a small job.

Its just an annoyance. Bathrooms never have much in the way of outlets anywhere but the sink area. We want this to plug in a oil-radiator heater. Its very in the way when plugged in at the counter. Yet, there is no service running anywhere but to the light fixtures.

Thanks for the info. I may take out the radiator heater and just use a small box heater. I'd assumed the radiator was more efficient, but who knows?

 

[rjniles]

Can you run a 3 wire cable (3 insulated conductors plus ground) from the switch to the light?