Hot Outlet: Keep Power on When Dark

How Do I Wire A Receptacle From A Light Outlet, But Keep It Hot When Light Is Off

As a homeowner in zip code 02903 in Downtown Providence, Rhode Island, you may encounter situations where you need a new receptacle installed or an existing one replaced. In these cases, it can be helpful to know how to wire a receptacle from a light outlet while keeping it hot even when the light is turned off. This is a common issue that many homeowners face and it can be easily solved with the right knowledge and tools.

B&K Electric, a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, is here to share their expertise with you. Our team of experienced electricians has been proudly serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. We specialize in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation, making us the go-to electrician for homes and businesses in the Warwick and greater Providence area.

Before we dive into the specifics of wiring a receptacle from a light outlet, it’s important to understand the basics of how an electrical circuit works. In simple terms, electricity flows from a power source through a circuit to an appliance or light and then back to the power source. Therefore, in order to keep a receptacle hot when the light is turned off, we need to wire it in such a way that it is always connected to the power source, regardless of the light switch position.

Step 1: Turn off the Power

The first and most important step in any electrical project is to turn off the power and make sure there is no electricity flowing through the circuit. This is crucial for your safety and to prevent any damage to your home’s electrical system. To do this, locate the circuit breaker that controls the circuit you’ll be working on and switch it off. You can also use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure there is no power running through the wires.

Step 2: Identify the Hot Wire

With the power off, it’s time to identify the hot wire in the light outlet that you want to use to power the receptacle. The hot wire is usually black or red in color and it carries the live electricity from the circuit. Once you’ve located the hot wire, you’ll need to cut it, leaving about 6 inches of wire to work with.

Step 3: Connect the Wires

Next, strip about 3/4 inch of insulation from the ends of the hot wire and the neutral wire that will be connecting to the receptacle. Now it’s time to make the connections. Connect the hot wire to the brass-colored terminal on the receptacle and the neutral wire to the silver-colored terminal. Make sure the connections are secure and there is no exposed copper wire.

Step 4: Connect the Ground Wire

Next, find the ground wire in the light outlet and connect it to the green screw on the receptacle. This will provide a pathway for any faulty electrical current to travel safely to the ground without causing harm to anyone.

Step 5: Run the Wire to the New Receptacle

Now that the connections are made in the light outlet, it’s time to run the wire to the new receptacle. Use a cable clamp to secure the wire to the box and run it to the new receptacle location. Make sure the wire is secured with cable staples along the way.

Step 6: Connect the Receptacle

At the new receptacle location, attach a cable clamp to the box and feed the wire through it, just as you did in the light outlet. Then, connect the wires to the receptacle in the same manner as before – black or hot wire to the brass-colored terminal, white or neutral wire to the silver-colored terminal, and green ground wire to the green screw.

Step 7: Test the Receptacle

Finally, it’s time to test the receptacle and make sure everything is working correctly. Turn the power back on and use your voltage tester to check that there is electricity running through the wires. Then, plug in a small appliance, like a lamp, to see if it turns on. If everything is working as it should, you’ve successfully wired a receptacle from a light outlet and managed to keep it hot even when the light is turned off.

Wiring a receptacle from a light outlet and keeping it hot when the light is turned off is a simple task that can be easily completed with the right tools and knowledge. However, it’s always important to prioritize safety and seek professional help if necessary. At B&K Electric, our team of licensed electricians is always ready to assist you with any electrical needs in your residence. Contact us today for all your electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation needs.

Topics:

Wiring a Receptacle,

Light Outlet,

Electrical Circuit