How to Wire a Light Switch From a Receptacle

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Study the diagram below

   Do not attempt unless you have a complete understanding of the job. ,,,,,, A booklet of adhesive numbers (like that in the photo) is great aid for a job like this. , The gold terminals on the other side should be marked with odd numbers 1 and
   3.
   
   Be sure to mark all terminals even if no wires are connected to them. , Write the terminal number on a piece of masking tape and wrap around the wire's insulation.
   
   A wire under a gold screw 1 should have a 1 tag on it, while a wire under white screw 2 should have a 2 on it.
   
   The bare or green ground wire connected under terminal 5 would have a 5 tag, as in the above photos., It can usually be found on the side
   - but close to the front of the receptacle.
   
   If it is already removed, STOP and reassemble.
   
   This installation is not covered in this wiki at this time., It is not required to remove the screws.
   
   The screws can not be removed unless forced., Do not cut cable until sure it is of sufficient length and even then leave 2 feet (0.6 m) extra before making the cut.,,,,
2. 2

   Step 2: photos and step by step procedure before attempting.

3. 3

   Step 3: Shut off power to the circuit.

4. 4

   Step 4: Test the circuit with a tester or lamp prior to working to be sure power has been removed.

5. 5

   Step 5: Remove the wall plate from the receptacle and save the screws for reuse.

6. 6

   Step 6: Unscrew the receptacle from the box and save screws for reuse.

7. 7

   Step 7: Pull the receptacle gently but firmly away from the box.

8. 8

   Step 8: Identify each terminal screw with a number written on masking tape

9. 9

   Step 9: affixed close by.

10. 10

    Step 10: Mark the silver or white terminals with even numbers 2 and 4; the green safety ground terminal (if provided) should be marked 5.

11. 11

    Step 11: Label each wire with the terminal number to which it is connected.

12. 12

    Step 12: Inspect the side of the receptacle with gold screws and locate the metal tab that connects the two square gold pads into which the gold screws are threaded.

13. 13

    Step 13: Disconnect all the wires from the receptacle by loosening the terminal screws.

14. 14

    Step 14: Install an old work switchbox and run "2 wire" (two conductors AND ground conductor) Romex ® type cable of the same size wire serving the receptacle

15. 15

    Step 15: between this old work  switchbox and the receptacle (most likely 14 or 12 gauge).

16. 16

    Step 16: Remove 8 inches (20.3 cm) of the cable jacket from both ends and pass the cable into each of the boxes through the opening until 1/2 to not more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the jacket is visible inside.

17. 17

    Step 17: Strip the new white and new black wires 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.

18. 18

    Step 18: Identify the new white wire with a 13 tag.

19. 19

    Step 19: Identify the new black wire with a 7 tag.

Detailed Guide

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