Your house will have different electrical needs, like replacing a light switch with an electrical outlet.
Your home will have various electrical needs, such as replacing a light switch with an electrical outlet. Because outlets and light switches have multiple functions, it will be hard not to know what you can or can’t do when working with the electricity in your house.
How a Residential Electrician Will Replace a Light Switch with an Outlet
You might decide whether to keep the light switch and how you want the new outlet to work. Luckily, you have options that will provide you with both switches and outlets. Moreover, your residential electrician can wire the electrical outlet so that the light switch can control it. Or the electrical outlet can function independently of the switch.
Furthermore, here is how your residential electrical contractor would install an electrical outlet where your current light switch is:
- Pinpoint which circuit the light switch is active and turn off the power supply to that circuit to prevent further electrical issues.
- Take out the switch from the wall and label the wires linked to it. Also, the general rule for electrical wire color codes is that red and black wires are active wires while white wires are neutral.
- Lastly, a trained professional can properly connect the wires to the outlet’s terminals because you can avoid replicating a potential previous incorrect wiring job.
What Can Go Wrong If You Try Replacing a Light Switch with an Electrical Outlet?
Additionally, wrong wiring can bring negative outcomes. Take a second to consider these expected DIY tragic consequences before replacing a light switch with an electrical outlet:
- If you’re not entirely replacing a light switch with an electrical outlet, a combo outlet and light switch can provide you with the best of both worlds. However, you’ll end up with an outlet that only functions with the switch if you don’t correctly wire this fixture.
- Also, you can produce shock hazards when inaccurately replacing a light switch with an electrical outlet.
For ALL of Your Residential or Commercial Electrical Needs, Call TriStar Electric!
No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at TriStar Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!
If you have any questions about our electrical repairs or upgrades, please contact TriStar Electric, Maryland’s premier residential and commercial electrician, by calling 410-799-5791 or 301-384-8880. Or, you can fill out the contact form on our website.
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