Existing Light and Outlet Wiring
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Debbie in Massachusetts asks: I have an existing light that is controlled by a switch, How Can I Extend the Wiring for a New Switched Outlet?
© By: Dave Rongey
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Extending Wiring for a New Switched Outlet
[ad#block] I have an existing light that is controlled by a switch.
- What I want to do is pull the power from the light to go to another switch that will control an outlet.
- Is this possible?
- I have been unable to find a diagram that shows this.
This electrical question came from: Debbie, a Homeowner from Massachusetts.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Debbie.
Wiring for a New Switched Outlet
- This would depend if the light that you want to get the power from is the primary power source.
- If this is not the case then your new light switch and the outlet that it would be controlling would only work if the existing light is turned on.
The Following links will assist you with your Switched Outlet

Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
wiring a switch

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
The following may also be helpful for you:
A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
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Electrical Parts to Help You Wire it Right
Outlets Parts and Accessories
120volt Wall Outlet
GFCI Outlet
Switch and Outlet Combo
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More articles about Lighting, Switch and Home Electrical Wiring:
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