Supreme Adding A Plug To An Existing Circuit

The source for this circuit it at the light switch.

Adding a plug to an existing circuit. A 15 amp circuit breaker will require 14 2 nm romex wire with ground while a 20 amp circuit breaker will need 12 2 wire also with a ground. Twist a red wire connector onto the black line wire and the two pigtail wires to connect together. Step 17 wrap the black wire from the existing light fixture around one screw on the right side of the original switch.

If a switch or outlet is on a circuit that often blows its breaker or fuse. You re right not to just use the load terminals. Back out the screws holding the plug into the plug box.

Remove the cover plate on the existing plug with a screwdriver. Cut sheathing off romex about 8 inches 20 3 cm long. Here a new receptacle is added to an existing light fixture circuit creating a new switched outlet.

As you can see from this scenario adding a receptacle or outlet to an existing circuit requires you to take into consideration the existing wiring to the circuit and particularly the load that will be placed on the circuit. Typically you can have no more than eight lights or electrical outlets on a 15 amp circuit. Give yourself 12 to 18 inches 30 to 46 cm of wire sticking out on both ends.

It will have either a 15 or a 20 stamped on it. For general purpose circuits you are only allowed 12 outlets on a 15 amp circuit and 16 on a 20 amp circuit. Before purchasing wire locate the circuit breaker that feeds the existing outlet.

Your home may use 12 or 14 gauge wires. Don t make matters worse by adding yet another outlet to the circuit electrical codes restrict the number of lights or electrical outlets that can be connected to one circuit. Pull the plug out of the box being careful not to pull the existing wiring off the plug.