I just installed a new ceiling fan and want it to operate off an existing wall switch.
The switch currently only operates a wall outlet in the same room.
Apparently, the switch has no power, rather the power must be running to the wall outlet and then have a wire running to the switch.
Is it possible to make connections for the ceiling fan at the switch (and how) or do I need to connect it directly to the outlet?

What is missing in the switch is the neutral.

Turn the power to the circuit off.

Open the outlet and re-connect the white from the switch from the brass screw (hot) side of the outlet to white sliver(neutral) side of the outlet.

Disconnect the switch first, if the switched is closed after you reconnect the wires, this will act as a dead short.

In the switch box, connect the two whites together, and both blacks to the brass screws on the switch, one each.

The downside is the outlet must now be live permanently.

What is missing in the switch is the neutral.

Turn the power to the circuit off.

Open the outlet and re-connect the white from the switch from the brass screw (hot) side of the outlet to white sliver(neutral) side of the outlet.

Disconnect the switch first, if the switched is closed after you reconnect the wires, this wil act as a dead short.

In the switch box, connect the two whites together, and both blacks to the brass screws on the switch, one each.

The downside is the outlet must now be live permanently.


Sounds to me like this makes the outlet hot all the time, but he (&I) want to know how to get power out of the wall switch ?

Considering the OP is long gone (posted in 2006), I'll answer you.

The answer is you DON'T. As TK said, this is a switch loop. There is NO neutral present so therefor you CANNOT get a 120v feed from this box.

You either deal with changing to a constant hot receptacle or find another source of power.

Thanks for the answer. That's what I thought,but was hoping for a easy out.