How to Install a Switch & Plug From a Light

A combination switch and plug is useful in all areas of a home or office. Kitchens, basements, dens and living rooms benefit from combination outlets for instant use of lights, appliances and other devices. The outlet can turn one appliance on or off, while providing constant electric energy to another device. It also fits into the same space as an existing outlet or switch. Combination outlets are available for purchase at your local home supply store and require only a few minutes to install.

Work gloves
Safety glasses
Combination switch
Screwdriver
8-inch electrical pliers with insulated handles
Wire strippers with insulated handles
Crimping tool with insulated handles

Instructions

- 1
  Find the main electrical breaker -- often located in the basement or garage. Turn off the power to room where the outlet is located, to prevent electrical shock.
- 2
  Put on work gloves and safety glasses, to prevent skin and eyes from any accidental sparks.
- 3
  Unscrew and remove the existing outlet plate. Pull out the outlet from the junction box. Unscrew the brass (hot), silver (neutral) and green (ground) screws, to free the wires of the existing outlet. Cut the wires free with your pliers, if necessary.
- 4
  Trim each wire -- the black, red and green wires -- on the combination outlet to a length of 6 inches. Cut and remove 1 inch of sheath from each wire end, using the wire cutters, to expose the copper wire. Form each copper wire end into a small loop, using the wire crimpers.
- 5
  Attach the green wire (ground wire) to the green screw in the junction box. Tighten the screw, to secure the connection.
- 6
  Attach the white wire (neutral wire) to the silver screw in the junction box. Tighten the screw, to secure the connection.
- 7
  Attach the black wire (hot wire) to the brass screw in the junction box. Tighten the screw, to secure the connection.
- 8
  Place the combination outlet into the junction box. Screw on the face plate over the outlet.
- 9
  Turn on the main power to the room, to begin using the installed switch and plug.

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