My bathroom does not have an electrical outlet. I need one to plug in my hairdryer and other small appliances, i.e. bathroom filters, etc. The bathroom does have a light switch. I want to know whether a light switch could be converted into a system that has both a light switch and an outlet.
2006-07-12 07:12:18 · 10 answers · asked by coffeegirl 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
A few others have mentioned the code requirement for GFCI, but there is also a code requirement that it be on a 20A circuit. It might not be possible to do what you want in a simple manner and be compliant with code. It may need a new circuit be added (new wire run from the circuit breaker/fuse box to the bathroom).
If you have an open basement under the bathroom and the panel is in the basement, a new circuit would be pretty simple.
A licensed electrician will be able to help. If your area is under the national electrical code, your new outlet will need to be on a 20A circuit.
2006-07-13 02:46:37 · answer #1 · answered by An electrical engineer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. If you don't know the answer to your question, I sure won't tell you how.
Find an electrician or someone that understands it. It's fairly simple for one of those. The wires can be confusing as hell.
Tell the person whether you want the "outlet always hot", or only when you turn on the switch. "Always hot" permits usage of the outlet without turning on the light.
2006-07-12 07:24:35 · answer #2 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's a how to guide to get the job done.
http://www.ehow.com/how_758_replace-electrical-outlet.html
Just remember that you need to buy a GFC switch since it is in the bathroom. Not only is it safe because water is near by and could cause you a shock or damage your electrical devices but is CODE and required.
If after studying these instructions, you are not sure then hire an electrician. Better safe than sorry.
2006-07-12 07:34:24 · answer #3 · answered by Kamikazeâ?ºKid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A bathroom needs to have a GFCI outlet. This outlet is big, so you would need to inlarge the existing hole. Maybe remove the exsisting box and install old work double gang box. Lots of work, but fun.
2006-07-12 07:28:04 · answer #4 · answered by handydaddy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it can be done .i dont think you plan on doing tje work .only it is possible.if it was me i would turn the whole cir cut into gfi.simply by replacing the breaker to a gfi breaker .[about 45.00] and if you have a neutral wire running thru your lite switch box.then you have all you need to convert to an outlet-switch box
2006-07-12 07:52:22 · answer #5 · answered by ata31254 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. You could also enlarge the switch box to add the outlet and make it switched.
2006-07-12 07:21:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you remove the switch and you find a lot of wires in jbox this could be simple for an electrician -- if there is only 1 wire it will be more difficult for an electrician
2006-07-12 09:08:15 · answer #7 · answered by Tom A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know it can be done... I had that done in my bathroom. You would just have to get an electrician or someone who knows what they are doing to come in and do it.
2006-07-12 07:16:30 · answer #8 · answered by yetti 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as
2006-07-12 07:15:03 · answer #9 · answered by kevin13br 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sure can,but you have to know what you are doing,So be carefull.....
2006-07-12 07:17:45 · answer #10 · answered by dreamcatcher61670 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋