Easy to turn this into an outlet?

[MagicMarker]

This is the lone 3 way switched light fixture (just a lone porcelain bulb holder) in the garage. I'd like to turn it into an outlet so I can plug in an LED shop light. I'd also like to add 3 or 4 more outlets through out the ceiling to add more LED lights. In my head, this is a fairly straight forward project. Please let me know if I'm over simplifying it.

 

[94EG8]

You can do this in one of two ways.

If your code permits it you can use an outlet cover for an octagon box like so:

or you can replace the octagon box with a regular receptacle/switch box.

 

[ibedayank]

just screw it in....

 

[75gmck25]

Just a guess but, there is probably constant 120 volts running to the ceiling box, and the other cable runs to the wall switch where you turn it on and off for the light. If that is the case you can connect an additional 120 volt line out of the box (it appears to be large enough capacity) and use that to power additional lights or receptacles. Depending on how you wire it, the receptacles could be switched on by the existing switch, or they could be always live.

Bruce

 

[MagicMarker]

You can do this in one of two ways.

If your code permits it you can use an outlet cover for an octagon box like so:

or you can replace the octagon box with a regular receptacle/switch box.

Didn't know that those existed. I could do that or for consistency sake, I'd like to change it to a regular box.

just screw it in....

Just bought one of those... will use that temporarily until I get more lights.

Just a guess but, there is probably constant 120 volts running to the ceiling box, and the other cable runs to the wall switch where you turn it on and off for the light. If that is the case you can connect an additional 120 volt line out of the box (it appears to be large enough capacity) and use that to power additional lights or receptacles. Depending on how you wire it, the receptacles could be switched on by the existing switch, or they could be always live.

Bruce

That one light fixture box is controlled by two switches.. one in the house and one in the garage. I'd like to run a few more outlets that will turn on/off with those switches.. I'll have to go up there and take a photo of what's in the box and hopefully you can give me guidance.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Any 120 Volt receptacle in a garage (even on the ceiling) requires GFI protection.

The receptacle option with the octagon cover isn't designed for a GFI outlet and would require a GFI breaker

GFIs need to be readily accessible, and a ceiling mounted GFI that needs a ladder to get to isn't.

 

[Norcal]

Any 120 Volt receptacle in a garage (even on the ceiling) requires GFI protection.

The receptacle option with the octagon cover isn't designed for a GFI outlet and would require a GFI breaker

GFIs need to be readily accessible, and a ceiling mounted GFI that needs a ladder to get to isn't.

Thinking the same thing....

 

[MagicMarker]

Any 120 Volt receptacle in a garage (even on the ceiling) requires GFI protection.

The receptacle option with the octagon cover isn't designed for a GFI outlet and would require a GFI breaker

GFIs need to be readily accessible, and a ceiling mounted GFI that needs a ladder to get to isn't.

Is there an easy way for me to do that?

 

[Norcal]

Is there an easy way for me to do that?

You could add a GFCI circuit breaker, assuming your panel accepts them, (obsolete, fusible, so on..).

 

[LS6 Tommy]

If your code permits it you can use an outlet cover for an octagon box like so:

Or you could just use the right cover plate:

Tommy

 

[alfredeneuman]

Tommy,

Those covers are interchangeable.

 

[nh_yota]

Easiest solution is to use one of those screw-in adapters if you're just going to plug in some lights.

That looks like old ungrounded armored cable (BX). If you're going to add an outlet it either must be a two-pronged outlet or a GFCI. The armor cladding cannot be used as a ground.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Tommy,

Those covers are interchangeable.

It was meant to be an "OCD" joke. I accidently left out the "" when I posted.

Tommy

 

[MagicMarker]

Any 120 Volt receptacle in a garage (even on the ceiling) requires GFI protection.

The receptacle option with the octagon cover isn't designed for a GFI outlet and would require a GFI breaker

GFIs need to be readily accessible, and a ceiling mounted GFI that needs a ladder to get to isn't.

Easiest solution is to use one of those screw-in adapters if you're just going to plug in some lights.

That looks like old ungrounded armored cable (BX). If you're going to add an outlet it either must be a two-pronged outlet or a GFCI. The armor cladding cannot be used as a ground.

If I run additional outlets off that box, can the boxes be plastic?

 

[nh_yota]

Code-wise I'm not sure you can extend a circuit which does not have a ground, but I'm not an electrician. It has nothing to do with plastic vs. metal boxes or romex vs. BX armored cable. I think at the very least you would need to install a GFCI at that junction box and feed additional outlets from the load side of the GFCI.