Need more places to plug your devices in? Want to increase your room’s functionality? It’s sometimes possible to convert a light switch to an outlet, giving you more places to plug in electronic devices, lamps, and appliances.
Call High 5 today to discuss changes to your electrical system, like changing your light switch to an outlet. We’re available in the Denver, CO area for electrical installation and electrical system repair services. We’ll get the job done for you quickly and safely, so you can enjoy your new outlet, knowing it’s installed right.
Understanding the Existing Light Switch Setup
In your existing light switch setup, the two “hot” line wires are probably black, and the neutral wire will be white or gray. In some cases, the colors may be different, but black hot wires and white neutral wires are standard. If there’s a green or copper wire, that’s the ground wire.
The hot wire connects to the brass screw and the neutral wire connects to a silver screw, or a hole in the back of the device if no silver screw is visible. The ground wire connects to a green screw or to the electrical box if there isn’t a green screw.
Assessing Feasibility and Circuit Load
If you’re wondering if you can turn a light switch into an outlet, it depends on if the circuit has the proper capacity, and the existing wiring will allow for a safe outlet installation.
To find out for certain, call a professional electrician. They’ll look at your electrical box, the existing circuit, and the wiring in the light switch to see if it’ll be a simple job, or if they’ll need to upgrade more of the electrical system to make the change feasible.
You should never work on your home’s electrical system unless you are experienced and licensed to do so, especially if you feel nervous or unsure about any step, as electrical accidents can lead to serious injury, fires, or electrocution.
Tools and Materials Needed
When you schedule service with High 5, our electricians will arrive on time, with everything they need to get started. They’ll bring supplies like:
- Screwdrivers
- Voltage tester
- Wire cutter and connectors
- Electrical tape
- Work gloves
- A new outlet and all necessary hardware
Turning Off the Power and Safety Precautions
Our state licensed electricians always put safety at the forefront of what we do, not just for themselves but also for you, your family, and your home, so the first step will always be to cut the power to the circuit. Your electrician will turn the power off at the fuse box by finding the breaker that controls the power to the area where they’ll be working and flipping the switch.
As an additional precaution, they’ll also use a voltage tester like a multimeter or non-contact tester to check if electricity is still flowing through the wire. This is an essential step to avoid injury, as there are cases in which a breaker is mislabeled, or the wiring wasn’t connected properly. Work gloves and safety goggles will add another layer of protection against injury and shock.
Removal of the Light Switch
Taking the light switch out is simple, as it’s just a matter of unscrewing the cover plate and the switch, then pulling the switch out and disconnecting the exposed wires from the terminal screws. Once the switch is removed, your electrician will strip back around half an inch of insulation from the metal wiring, cutting away any damaged sections to prepare them for connection with the outlet.
Wiring the New Outlet
To wire the new outlet into the electrical box, the electrician will line up the new outlet with the terminal screws, then connect the two hot wires to the brass-colored screws, the neutral wire to the silver-colored screw, and the ground wire to the green screw.
The screws must be tightened to create a solid connection to the electrical system. Once the wires are firmly in place, they’ll tuck the wires carefully into the electrical box, taking care not to bend, pinch or twist them to avoid accidental damage, and ensuring none are left exposed.
Installing and Testing the Outlet
Once the outlet is wired in, the final step is to screw it into place and attach the cover plate. When everything is secured, with the cover plate snugly and evenly attached, it’s safe to turn the power back on. Your electrician will restore power by flipping the breaker switch on the electrical panel, and test that it’s receiving power using their voltage or circuit tester.
The final test is to plug something in and see if it works. A lamp or device that makes noise will make it obvious whether the power is connected or not.
Additional Considerations and Upgrades
If you’re getting new outlets put in, you may want to consider adding additional upgrades like:
- GFCI outlets: Ground fault circuit interrupters cut power off if there’s an electrical short or surge to prevent shocks, fires, or overheating.
- LED outlets: LED outlets have built-in lights, providing soft, ambient light.
- USB outlets: Add USB outlets to reduce the number of adapters you need to charge your phone, laptop, and other devices.
- Recessed outlets: Recessed outlets are set deep into the wall, and may even have a cover that conceals the outlet, giving a clean, space-saving look.
With all the technology of today, life involves more electricity usage than it did in the past. If your home is older and has never had an electrical upgrade, ask our experts about modernizing your system so it can better handle your needs.
Need Help With an Electrical Project? Contact the Team of Electricians at High 5
At High 5, our electricians are problem solvers who love a challenge. Let us make your electrical project vision a reality. Contact our team for expert electrician services in the Denver region, including outlet installations, electrical inspections, emergency repairs, and system upgrades. We’ll help you find a solution as quickly as possible, working within your budget to give you a functional, safe electrical system that works for you.
