Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    rekrespite's Avatar
    rekrespite Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Apr 17, 2013, 08:00 PM
    How to wire a switch from an outlet
    I have an outlet and want to wire a light and a switch from the outlet keeping the outlet always hot
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
     
    #2

    Apr 17, 2013, 08:11 PM
    Have you ever attempted something like this before?
    rekrespite's Avatar
    rekrespite Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Apr 17, 2013, 08:43 PM
    No
    rekrespite's Avatar
    rekrespite Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #4

    Apr 17, 2013, 08:45 PM
    This is new construction. I have power going into an outlet and want to wire a switch and a light from the same circuit
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
     
    #5

    Apr 18, 2013, 12:45 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by rekrespite View Post
    this is new construction. I have power going into an outlet and want to wire a switch and a light from the same circuit
    With power off, Run a 14/2 wire from the outlet to the switch box. Connect the black, white and ground to the respective colors on the outlet using pigtail if necessary for the ground. Fron the switch box, run another 14/2 wire to the ceiling box. In the switch box connect the whites together and the grounds together with wire nuts. Connect the black outlet wire to one side of the switch, the ceiling box black to the other side. Connect the ceiling box black, white and ground to the light fixture. Use a rated ceiling box. Might I suggest a trip to the library for a basic wiring book, on line picture or buying a wiring nook too.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
     
    #6

    Apr 18, 2013, 03:48 AM
    With power off, Run a 14/2 wire from the outlet to the switch box. Connect the black, white and ground to the respective colors on the outlet using pigtail if necessary for the ground. Fron the switch box, run another 14/2 wire to the ceiling box.
    This assumes the existing circuit wiring is #14.
    It may be #12.
    parttime's Avatar
    parttime Posts: 1,440, Reputation: 113
    Ultra Member
     
    #7

    Apr 18, 2013, 03:49 AM
    Hey brian, I have a question. If the outlet is on a 20 amp breaker would you still recommend 14/2 wire? I'm curious, thanks

    Well Stan answered my question at the same time I was asking. Thanks stan
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
     
    #8

    Apr 18, 2013, 03:50 AM
    this is new construction. I have power going into an outlet and want to wire a switch and a light from the same circuit
    Then I have to ask, why are you doing this? Why not let the person wiring the house do it?
    If you do do this you may have issues with the person wiring the house. Personally I would not allow someone else's wiring, especially someone with absolutely no experience, under my inspection.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #9

    Apr 18, 2013, 11:54 AM
    There are two methods to accomplish what you want to do.

    However, please tell me why the electrical contractor is not doing the work? Is this a residence you are building yourself? Will the electrical contractor not accept a "Change Order" to install the light and switch? Is the dry wall on the ceiling or walls already in place?

    Personally, the simplest way to do this is to either connect a cable (14/2 w gnd) (12/2 w gnd) < a 15 amp breaker can use either a 14 AWG conductor or a 12 AWG conductor, however, a 20 amp breaker uses a 12 AWG conductor> depending on the amperage of the breaker feeding the branch circuit.

    Run the new cable from the receptacle to the switch. At the switch, open the outer sheath of the cable and cut the black wire. Loop the bare conductor to the ground screw. Do Not Touch The White conductor.

    Connect one side of the black conductor to the bottom of the switch. Continue the cable run to the ceiling outlet box. Connect Black from the switch to black on the light. Connect white to the white on the light and connect bare ground to the ground conductor for the light.

    That should do it.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
     
    #10

    Apr 18, 2013, 02:39 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by parttime View Post
    Hey brian, I have a question. If the outlet is on a 20 amp breaker would you still recommend 14/2 wire? I'm curious, thanks

    well Stan answered my question at the same time I was asking. Thanks stan
    No, must use 12.
    Stumpjumper123's Avatar
    Stumpjumper123 Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #11

    Apr 19, 2013, 06:02 PM
    12 for a ceiling fixture? Really, where are you guys doing this?
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
     
    #12

    Apr 19, 2013, 06:35 PM
    If the outlet is wired in 12 with a 20 AMP CB, you cannot run a 14 off the circuit, has to be 12That was the question we raised 12 or 14?
    Stumpjumper123's Avatar
    Stumpjumper123 Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #13

    Apr 19, 2013, 06:54 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by ma0641 View Post
    If the outlet is wired in 12 with a 20 AMP CB, you cannot run a 14 off the circuit, has to be 12That was the question we raised 12 or 14?
    All jokes aside, Kentucky code allows a "bump" from any source as long as the common meets the box.

    So just as a for instance I can pull hot from a stove connection #6 40amp as long as my common comes from the breaker panel (would never happen but I could).

    Yes the light could overload but not likely as it would lose ground (it would backfeed the breaker)

    My point is I can pull any size wire from any size wire (I don't but I can) If 10 is in the wall and I need a ceiling fixture I am not pulling 10 to it nor 12. I would pull nothing bigger than 14 and it would pass code no questions. Where are you guys that you have to pull what is in the wall?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
     
    #14

    Apr 20, 2013, 04:37 AM
    All jokes aside, Kentucky code allows a "bump" from any source as long as the common meets the box.

    So just as a for instance I can pull hot from a stove connection #6 40amp as long as my common comes from the breaker panel (would never happen but I could).

    Yes the light could overload but not likely as it would lose ground (it would backfeed the breaker)

    My point is I can pull any size wire from any size wire (I don't but I can) If 10 is in the wall and I need a ceiling fixture I am not pulling 10 to it nor 12. I would pull nothing bigger than 14 and it would pass code no questions. Where are you guys that you have to pull what is in the wall?
    Sorry, I don't buy it. Nope, not even a little bit.

    This violates several codes and laughs at the NEC. I wouldn't believe it 'till I read it in a local code amendment, and even then I would question it.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #15

    Apr 21, 2013, 09:46 AM
    Stumplummer,

    What part of Kentucky do you live in? I lived in Garrard County and worked out of Lexington, KY for 15 years.

    Absolutley no where were you allowed to do what you were suggesting. All local codes were based off the NEC standard.

    What you are stating you are allowed to do will get someone burned to death, at the worst! At the best you can hope for just the total destruction of the property you wire this way!

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

How to wire an outlet from a light switch? [ 1 Answers ]

I have an outlet contolled by a switch' I want to add an outlet by coming from the switch that will be hot at all times Mark [email protected]

How to wire a 2, 3 wire and 1, 2 wire box with a switch and outlet? [ 1 Answers ]

How do I wire a gang box with a switch? I have two 3-wire 14-3 wires feeding the box and a 2-wire 12-2 going to and outlet I want on the switch?

How to wire an outlet off switch with out the switch controlling the outlet [ 2 Answers ]

Currently there is only one black, white and ground in the switch box

How do you wire a 220 outlet to well pump and preasure switch [ 1 Answers ]

My house I no a well and preasure tank now its starting to kick my breaker off and even my main breaker is it wired right what is wrong I don't no where my short is

Reconnecting dimmer switch to outlet and wall wire [ 4 Answers ]

In box there are two main wires: one has white black and copper grounding wire, Other has white, black, red, and grounding wire, dimmer has green grounding wire, black and red. How do I reconnect them properly?


View more questions Search