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-   -   Outside GFCI (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=643673)

  • Mar 14, 2012, 10:53 PM
    ladthebad
    Outside GFCI
    I want to put an outside GFCI and was wondering if I could pull power from the switch. The switch has three light switches. It is 14-2 wiring and I checked that there is power coming in and three blacks are wire nutted together leading to the individual switches. Can I pigtail off those and run down the wall to my GFCI I plan on installing? Also, I do have the white neutral wires that are all wire nutted together.
  • Mar 15, 2012, 06:32 AM
    donf
    No.


    Switches only interrupt the hot or ungrounded conductor. To install a receptacle,you must have both the Neutral and Hot conductors as well as a ground conductor.
  • Mar 15, 2012, 07:07 AM
    ballengerb1
    Don, isn't the OP saying he does have a neutral? " I do have the white neutral wires that are all wire nutted together."
  • Mar 15, 2012, 11:55 AM
    tkrussell
    I do not see any problem with your plan:

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ladthebad View Post
    I want to put an outside GFCI and was wondering if I could pull power from the switch. The switch has three light switches.

    It is 14-2 wiring and I checked that there is power coming in and three blacks are wire nutted together leading to the individual switches.

    Can I pigtail off those and run down the wall to my GFCI I plan on installing?

    Also, I do have the white neutral wires that are all wire nutted together.

    Providing these splices are delivering 120 volts, unswitched, with a neutral, which appears is what you have.

    Be aware of what is currently on the circuit your tapping into, and the load that will be applied. The exterior GFI receptacle can be used for power tools, xmas lights, etc. up to a certain point. Without knowing the existing load, unable to advise what the maximum load on the new outlet could be without tripping the circuit breaker, which should be 15 amp, based on the #14 wire.
  • Mar 15, 2012, 03:33 PM
    donf
    Bob,

    The OP says nothing about Neutral wires.

    "The switch has three light switches. It is 14-2 wiring and I checked that there is power coming in and three blacks are wire nutted together leading to the individual switches"
  • Mar 15, 2012, 04:05 PM
    hkstroud
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ladthebad View Post
    Also, I do have the white neutral wires that are all wire nutted together.

    Time to see the optometrist Don.
  • Mar 16, 2012, 06:13 AM
    donf
    Bob,

    Or at the very least, it might be wise for me to read the entire post! Where oh wherearemy glasses?
  • Mar 16, 2012, 12:49 PM
    ballengerb1
    So does anyone know where Don and mine posts went?
  • Mar 16, 2012, 01:59 PM
    tkrussell
    Yep, did a cleanup that cluttered the thread.

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