How to Add a Light Switch to Any Existing Outlet
If you have a room that doesn’t have an overhead light, or a room where the main light switch is inconvenient, you may be able to solve your problem by adding a switch to one of the outlets to control the lamp instead. Whether it’s a hallway, bedroom, or other room that requires lighting, here’s what you need to know to add a switch to your system.
Tools and materials
You will need some tools for this job as it requires minor rewiring which means cutting access holes in the wall.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- An oscillating saw or drywall saw to cut the hole for the junction box and access slots.
- A pair of needle nose or electrician’s pliers.
- Multimeter
- Drop of fabric
- Fish tape
- Socket/socket
- Light switch
- Electrical insulating tape
- Two wires plus ground cable
- Wire cutters/pliers
- Screwdriver
- Wire nuts
1. Turn off the power and open the outlet.
First, turn off the power to the outlet you will be working on. To make sure the power is off, use a multimeter to test the circuit. This is the most important step to avoid the risk of shock. Once you’re sure it’s safe to do so, remove the outlet from the wall by unscrewing the cover and removing any screws that hold it in place. You should be able to wiggle the outlet freely without touching the terminals to check for power.
2. Measure the dimensions of the junction box and cut out the drywall.
Measure and mark where you want the switch to be installed. It’s usually easiest to place the switch directly above the outlet on the wall so that running the wire is a simple process. If you need to run the wire further, you’ll have to work around studs and other obstacles in the wall. Throw in a rag now to make cleanup easier. Next, cut a hole to accommodate the junction box you plan to add, and then cut a slot one to two inches high and a few inches wide below the outlet to allow access to the wire.
3. Remove the coupling tongue.
Then remove the tab that protrudes from the side of the socket using pliers. This tab connects two outlets together, so to only be able to switch one, you’ll need to unplug them. At this point, you should also disconnect the socket from the wires, paying attention to where each wire connects. Take a photo of the wiring configuration to double check when reconnecting.
4. Thread the wires
Using fish tape, thread the two-conductor (plus ground) cable through the wall between the junction box opening and the outlet and secure or secure the wires at the edges to prevent them from falling inside. (Some electrical codes require the breaker to have a neutral wire, so in this case you may need to use a four-wire cable.) Attach the breaker box to the wall and tie or tape the wires to keep them in place. . Then return to the output end of the system. Mark the wire going to the switch with a piece of electrical tape to distinguish it from the other white wires in the system.
5. Connect the outlet
Strip the ends of the wires about ¾ inch and attach the black wire going to the light switch and the black jumper wire to the power supply using a wire nut. Then connect the jumper wire to a non-switched outlet. Attach the white wire with electrical tape to the switched outlet. Then connect the neutrals together and attach the neutral wire to the neutral terminal on the outlet. Do not remove the connection plate on the neutral side as the same one will be used for both outlets. Connect the ground in the same manner, observing local grounding requirements. Now you can replace the wall outlet.
6. Connect the switch
Next we connect the light switch. Connect the incoming cord from the power supply to the input terminal on the light switch, and the outgoing power cord to the output terminal. Connect the ground to the ground terminal. You can then attach the light switch and cover to the junction box.
7. Test, fix and enjoy
Then test your breaker by turning the power back on, turning on the lamp, turning the outlet switch to the on position, and flipping the light switch. If everything went according to plan, you now have a plugged in outlet. Seal the entry hole, paint if necessary, and enjoy mastering the power of light and dark.