How to Wire Combo Switch and Outlet? . Wiring a combo switch and outlet is a practical solution for combining functionality in a single electrical box. Whether you’re renovating your home or adding a new feature, knowing how to wire a combo switch and outlet can save you time and money. This guide provides a step-by-step process for wiring safely and effectively.
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What is Combo Switch / Outlet Device and How to Wire It?
A combo device is the combination of switch and outlet in the same enclosure box. The built-in switch can be wired to control the receptacle in the enclosure box. The switch can be also wired through a jumper wire where the switch will control an additional load point such as lighting point.
Before wiring installation of a combo device, one must know the basic different between Combo GFCI and Combo switch outlet. There is a break away fin tab intact to the line terminals of normal combo switch and outlet whereas, it doesn’t exist in GFCI or AFCI combo device. In addition, there is Test and and reset buttons on GFCI combo switch / outlet and one side can be used as line (source) terminal and the second one as load terminals i.e. the those load points which needs to be protected should connect to the load terminals of GFCI.
In Switch and Outlet combo device, the narrow blade is for Line (Hot) and the wider blade is for Neutral. There is a break way fin tab intact to the line (hot) side which can be removed if switch is needed to control additional load otherwise, a jumper wire can be added between the switch load terminal and lower line terminal (while removing the break away fin tab) hence, it will control the socket outlet in the enclosure box.
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The following diagram shows the the working operations of a Combination of two Switch and Outlet device.
The following figures show the different views of a combo switch and outlet device.
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In today wiring tutorials, we will be showing how to wire and install a combo switch and outlet device in residential areas to control the lighting point, adding an outlet to the existing combo device, connecting switch and outlet from different sources, adding a GFCI protected combo switch/outlet and use the switch in the combo device to control the outlet in it.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before starting, gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth wiring process.
Tools
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Wire strippers
- Voltage tester
- Needle-nose pliers
Materials
- Combo switch and outlet device
- Electrical wires (black, white, and green)
- Wire nuts
- Electrical tape
Wiring a Light bulb with Combo Switch and Outlet
In this simple wiring diagram, the combo switch & outlet is connected to the 120V AC supply through CB. The break away fin tab is intact therefore, line (hot) is connected to the (only) one brass terminal on line side. The neutral is connected to the neutral silver terminal. The switch load brass terminal and neutral is connected to the light bulb.
This way, the built-in switch controls the lighting point and socket outlet can be used for other loads and can be connected via plugs.
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Also, don’t forget to do the proper earthing and grounding connections according your local area codes.
Wiring an Outlet to the Combo Switch and Outlet
In this wiring diagram, the builtin switch in the combo device controls a lighting point whereas, outlet can be used for other loads. To add an additional outlet to the combo device, simple connect the line, neutral and ground terminals as shown in the fig below. Use tight wire nuts for cable and wire joints.
Wiring Combo Device where Switch and Outlet Controlled by Different Sources
In this wiring diagram, the built-in switch is controlled by separate source (i.e. wires from different CB) while the outlet is connected to the second source. To do this, simple remove the breakaway fin between the line terminals and connect the upper terminal to source one and the lower line terminal to source two.
The lower neutral should be connected to the source two neutral wire and the switch load should be connected to the load point i.e. fan, light bulb etc.
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Keep in mind that if the break away fin tab is not available in your existing or new combo switch-outlet device, then this kind of wiring connection is not possible.
Wiring Combo Device where Built-in Switch Controls the Receptacle in it
In this wiring connection, the built-in switch controls the receptacle outlet in the combo device enclosure. To do this wiring, simply remove the break away fin tab between two hot terminals (hot side). Now, take a jumper wire and connect between the switch load terminal and lower hot terminal on the line side (As shown in fig below). Finally, connect the neutral and ground wire as shown in the fig.
This way, the builtin switch control the ON/OFF operations of the receptacle in the combo device. Note that if there is no break away fin tab between two line terminals, this connection is not possible to do then.
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Wiring a GFCI Protected Combo Switch & Outlet
As shown in the following wiring diagram, the combo switch & outlet, ordinary outlet and switch are connected to the load side of GFCI hence, all of them are GFCI protected.
Keep in mind that if we connected all these receptacles and switches to the line side of GFCI, they wont be GFCI protected at all.
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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wire Combo Switch and Outlet
Follow this detailed process for wiring a combo switch and outlet.
Step 1: Turn Off Power and Test
- Locate the circuit breaker for the outlet’s electrical box.
- Turn off the breaker and use a voltage tester to confirm no power is flowing.
Step 2: Remove Existing Outlet or Switch
- Unscrew and remove the cover plate.
- Carefully detach the existing device, ensuring you note the connections.
Step 3: Identify the Wires
- Black Wire (Hot): Supplies power.
- White Wire (Neutral): Returns current to the panel.
- Green/Bare Wire (Ground): Provides grounding for safety.
Step 4: Connect the Wires to the Combo Device
- Ground Wire: Attach the green/bare wire to the ground screw.
- Hot Wire (Black): Connect it to the brass terminal for the switch.
- Neutral Wire (White): Attach it to the silver terminal for the outlet.
Step 5: Attach Jumper Wires (if needed)
If you want the switch to control the outlet, connect a jumper wire between the switch terminal and the outlet terminal.
Step 6: Secure the Combo Device
- Carefully fold the wires into the electrical box.
- Mount the device using the provided screws.
Step 7: Install the Cover Plate
Align the cover plate and secure it with screws. Ensure it sits flush with the wall.
Step 8: Test the Connection
- Turn the power back on at the breaker.
- Test the switch and outlet using a lamp or tester to confirm functionality.
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General Information about Electrical Outlets:
Note: We have used Red for Hot, Black for Neutral and Green for Ground for illustration purpose only. Follow your own area wiring color codes according to NEC, IEC etc.
- Use 14 and 12 gauge wires for 15A and 20A circuit breakers.
- 15A and 20A GFCI can be installed on 15-20A and 20A only (not 15 and 30A) circuit breaker respectively.
- The brass screws should be connected to the Hot (line, live or phase) wire (Black, Brown or Red).
- The silver screws should be connected to the Neutral wire (White or Blue)
- The green screw should be connected to the ground / earth wire (Green/Yellow or naked)
- If there is no color coded screws on outlets, refer to the user manual or contact a licensed electrician.
- Neutral Wire is not required in 240V outlets wiring.
- If there are four prongs in an outlet, a Neutral wire is needed then and four wires from the breaker should be connected to the outlet i.e. 2 hot line as (Line 1 and Line 2), a Neutral and ground wire.
- Use the suitable voltage and ampere rating of switch with appropriate wire size and proper size MCB according to the load rating.
Safety Precautions
- Switch off the main circuit breaker to make sure the power supply is OFF before wiring an outlet.
- Contact the authorized and licensed electrician for outlet installation if you are not sure about the wiring diagrams.
- The author will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information or if you try any circuit in wrong format. So please! Be careful because it’s all about electricity and electricity is too dangerous.
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FAQs
1. What is the purpose of a combo switch and outlet?
A combo switch and outlet provide both a switch for controlling a device or light and an outlet for plugging in electrical devices in one unit.
2. Can I wire a combo switch and outlet without professional help?
Yes, with the right tools and knowledge, most homeowners can wire a combo switch and outlet safely.
3. Do I need a specific electrical box for a combo switch and outlet?
Ensure the electrical box is deep enough to accommodate the wiring and the combo device.
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