Replacing Light Switch W/ Switch/Receptacle Combo

[cjunrau]

you don't need to buy a test light for one project. there nice to have but, you can use a lamp as a test light. Just put the one side of the
plug against the box to the ground and touch the wire to the other, if it is neutral it won't light if it is live it will.

 

[showcrop]

Over all, in the grander scheme of things "Barnyard" has given by far the best advice on this thread:

"Never, ever, ever pass up an opportunity to buy a new tool!"

 

[John T]

If so, I'll invest in a test light and proceed carefully

WISE CHOICE thanks for the feedback Neil, For the RECEPTACLE you need Hot (typically Black) Neutral
(Typically White) Ground (Typically Bare/Green). With a test light you can find the Hot, its the wire that
has 120 VAC from it to EITHER a Neutral or a Ground while the other LOAD side of the existing switch feeds
the light. If theres ONLY two wires in there thats likely the Hot (from panel) and Load (to switch).
Hopefully you have a Hot, Neutral and Ground so you can feed the receptacle plus switch the light
????????????

John T

 

[npowell]

(quoted from post at 15:07:55 02/10/23) If so, I'll invest in a test light and proceed carefully

WISE CHOICE thanks for the feedback Neil, For the RECEPTACLE you need Hot (typically Black) Neutral
(Typically White) Ground (Typically Bare/Green). With a test light you can find the Hot, its the wire that
has 120 VAC from it to EITHER a Neutral or a Ground while the other LOAD side of the existing switch feeds
the light. If theres ONLY two wires in there thats likely the Hot (from panel) and Load (to switch).
Hopefully you have a Hot, Neutral and Ground so you can feed the receptacle plus switch the light
????????????

John T

Thanks, John. That is how I understood your earlier post. I've gotten sidetracked, but will try to follow up after I get back to the project.

Neil