How to Wire a Combo Switch Outlet with GFCI Protection

Are you bored with fumbling at the hours of darkness for a light-weight swap or trying to find an outlet to plug in your telephone? A combo swap outlet is the right resolution, combining the comfort of each a light-weight swap and an outlet in a single compact unit. However for those who’re not an skilled electrician, the considered wiring one could be daunting. Nevertheless, with a bit preparation and our step-by-step information, you may sort out this venture with confidence.

Earlier than you start, collect the required instruments and supplies. You will want a combo swap outlet, electrical tape, a screwdriver, a wire stripper, and a non-contact voltage tester. Security ought to be your high precedence, so ensure to show off the facility on the breaker field earlier than beginning any electrical work. Use the voltage tester to verify that the circuit is certainly off.

The wiring course of entails connecting the wires from the swap outlet to the wires in your electrical field. Usually, black wires are used for the recent wires, white wires for the impartial wires, and inexperienced or naked copper wires for the bottom wires. Seek the advice of the directions that got here together with your swap outlet for particular wiring configurations. Fastidiously strip the ends of the wires, twist them collectively, and safe them with electrical tape. Lastly, tuck the wires neatly into {the electrical} field and screw the swap outlet into place. Flip the facility again on and check the swap outlet to make sure it is working accurately.

123: How To Wire Combo Swap Outlet

What’s a combo swap outlet?

A combo swap outlet is a do-it-yourself electrical outlet that is made from two separate elements: a normal electrical outlet and a light-weight swap. The outlet permits you to join electrical units to the circuit, and the swap permits you to flip the facility on and off to the outlet and any units plugged into it. The mix of an outlet and a swap right into a single machine is designed to liberate wall area and create a extra handy setup.

Combo swap shops are an excellent possibility for areas the place you want each an outlet and a swap in shut proximity, similar to in a kitchen, toilet, or workshop. They’re additionally a sensible choice for controlling small home equipment, similar to lamps, followers, or radios.

The right way to wire a combo swap outlet

Wiring a combo swap outlet is not tough, however it does require some primary electrical data and expertise. Should you’re not snug working with electrical energy, it is best to rent a certified electrician.

To wire a combo swap outlet, you may want the next instruments and supplies:

  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A flat head screwdriver
  • A wire stripper
  • Electrical tape
  • A combo swap outlet
  • 12-gauge or 14-gauge electrical wire.

After you have all the required instruments and supplies, observe these steps to wire the combo swap outlet:

  1. Flip off the facility to the outlet and swap on the breaker panel.
  2. Take away the faceplate from the outlet and swap so as to entry {the electrical} wires.
  3. Utilizing a wire stripper, strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the top of every wire.
  4. Join the black wire from the outlet to the brass screw terminal on the swap.
  5. Join the white wire from the outlet to the silver screw terminal on the swap.
  6. Join the inexperienced or naked copper wire from the outlet to the inexperienced screw terminal on the swap.
  7. Wrap electrical tape round every of the connections to insulate them.
  8. Tuck the wires again into {the electrical} field and guarantee that they don’t seem to be touching one another.
  9. Screw the faceplate again onto the outlet and swap and switch the facility again on on the breaker panel.

Folks Additionally Ask About 123: How To Wire Combo Swap Outlet

Can I set up a combo swap outlet myself?

Sure, you may set up a combo swap outlet your self when you have some primary electrical data and expertise. Nevertheless, for those who’re not snug working with electrical energy, it is best to rent a certified electrician.

What’s the distinction between a combo swap outlet and an everyday outlet?

A combo swap outlet is a single machine that mixes {an electrical} outlet and a light-weight swap. A daily outlet solely gives a spot to plug in electrical units, whereas a light-weight swap solely controls the movement of electrical energy to a light-weight fixture.

The place can I purchase a combo swap outlet?

You should purchase a combo swap outlet at most residence enchancment shops, similar to House Depot, Lowe’s, or Menards. You may as well discover them on-line at retailers similar to Amazon.com.