Adding an outlet

[Jaguar Fan]

In the following pictures, you'll see 3 light switches on the side of a cabinet. I'd like to add a power outlet there as well. Not in the picture is a sink (laundry room). So, the outlet should probably be GFCI.

Is it OK for me to take power from the light switches in the picture? Or is that a bad idea? I see there are both 1-way and 3-way light switches.

 

[rlitman]

It looks like that should be possible, since there appears to be neutral wires tied together in the back.

 

[ripperd]

Agree with rlitman.

Also, if you want to do it so you don't need a new box, replace the non-3-ways with one of these:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Eaton-1...corator-Light-Switch-White-7728W-SP/203492493

edit: note that the two switches you combine must be on the same circuit, since they will share incoming power.

 

[rlitman]

Agree with rlitman.

Also, if you want to do it so you don't need a new box, replace the non-3-ways with one of these:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Eaton-1...corator-Light-Switch-White-7728W-SP/203492493

edit: note that the two switches you combine must be on the same circuit, since they will share incoming power.

The double switches I'm familiar with are all separate:

It would be neat if the two input screws had a break-off tab like they make on outlets, but I'm not sure if that exists.

There are also a 2-way/3-way and 3-way/3-way versions:

 

[Git]

They do have the tab, this is a Leviton:

 

[rlitman]

They do have the tab, this is a Leviton:

Gotcha, thanks. I haven't installed one of these in probably 30 years.

 

[rooster4321]

Just asking why would you want to break off tab what will that allow him to accomplish

Sent from my KYOCERA-E6560 using Tapatalk

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

If they are 14 gage wires, be careful how much load to plug into the outlet. IIRC 14 gage is for 15 amp only not 20 amp outlets.

 

[TRWham]

Just asking why would you want to break off tab what will that allow him to accomplish

Sent from my KYOCERA-E6560 using Tapatalk

It separates the feed to the 2 switches so they can be on separate branch circuits. With the fin in place, connecting to either line side screw feeds both switches.

 

[rlitman]

If they are 14 gage wires, be careful how much load to plug into the outlet. IIRC 14 gage is for 15 amp only not 20 amp outlets.

Yes, and? Have you ever seen a 20A plug? I've seen ONE actual device that had a NEMA 5-20 plug on it ever. It was a high speed copier (I've also seen some floor sanders with L5-20 plugs, but those won't plug into an ordinary 20A outlet). A 15A outlet will do just fine, whether the wire is 12 or 14 gauge.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

If they are 14 gage wires, be careful how much load to plug into the outlet. IIRC 14 gage is for 15 amp only not 20 amp outlets.

As long as the breaker is properly sized to the wire there should be no issue. If those wires are 14awg the circuit should be on a 15 amp breaker anyway. A 15-amp duplex receptacle can be installed on a 15 or 20 amp circuit. I'd imagine there's no need to install a 20 amp receptacle here regardless.

 

[nahansmsu]

Good information.....I'm watching this also!

 

[PugetDude]

..or just install one of these on the 1way switch bank.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

..or just install one of these on the 1way switch bank.

That would be easiest. Though since it looks like a countertop, I'd be more inclined to combine two switches in one space, and make the third space a receptacle with two USB ports. Just my thoughts.

 

[larry4406]

..or just install one of these on the 1way switch bank.

OP said this is in a laundry room with a sink nearby. He did not specify the distance to the sink (afaik) yet said should be a gfi. This option is not a gfi unless the breaker is changed.

 

[Jim greengo]

..or just install one of these on the 1way switch bank.

Single pole switch.

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

Yes, and? Have you ever seen a 20A plug? I've seen ONE actual device that had a NEMA 5-20 plug on it ever. It was a high speed copier (I've also seen some floor sanders with L5-20 plugs, but those won't plug into an ordinary 20A outlet). A 15A outlet will do just fine, whether the wire is 12 or 14 gauge.

https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/370004-leviton-20-amp-duplex-straight-blade-receptacle.html

 

[rlitman]

OP said this is in a laundry room with a sink nearby. He did not specify the distance to the sink (afaik) yet said should be a gfi. This option is not a gfi unless the breaker is changed.

Exactly.

https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/370004-leviton-20-amp-duplex-straight-blade-receptacle.html

Yes, I know exactly what a 20A receptacle looks like. What devices have you encountered that have a PLUG that requires that receptacle, that won't fit into a normal 15A receptacle? A 15A receptacle is appropriate here.

 

[Jim greengo]

OP said this is in a laundry room with a sink nearby. He did not specify the distance to the sink (afaik) yet said should be a gfi. This option is not a gfi unless the breaker is changed.

They make a gfi version of it also,I'd use the stacked switch posted earlier and a regular gfi outlet myself.

 

[rlitman]

They make a gfi version of it also,I'd use the stacked switch posted earlier and a regular gfi outlet myself.

They do, but I agree that the stacked switch and duplex outlet makes more sense to me.