Replacing GFCI outlet with GFCI outlet/switch??

Question

I currently have a single GFCI outlet outside and I was wanting to install a GFCI outlet/switch combo in it's place.

So my question is can I just use the current wiring or do I need to run additionally wiring for the switch part of it. Or can I somehow use the current two wires for both the outlet and switch and ran a wire between the outlet to the switch?
Thanks,
Jen

Here is a link to see what kind of outlet/switch I bought:

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g106/gammiegirl8/outletswitch.jpg

Answer 1

Install the existing "hot" wire to the switch. Then connect a black wire from the other screw on the switch to the "line" side screw on the GFCI marked "black". Connect the white or "neutral wire directly to the line side of the GFCI marked "white". The switch will then turn the receptacle on and off with the wires existing in the box now. No need for more wires except the short jumper between the switch and the GFCI. Turn the circuit breaker off first.

Don't take electrical advise from untrained and unqualified people.

Answer 2

The photo you've provided is actually for the cover... not the switch and outlet.

The switch and outlet can be wired 2 ways, with your existing wiring.
1) the switch controls the outlet.
2) the switch is used to run power to another outlet/fixture.

Now... if you are using the switch to run power to another fixture or outlet, it really depends on how much power will be drawn by whatever is on that circuit, and the existing circuit, to determine if you need to run additional wiring. For example... if you are just adding a light fixture to the circuit, and the outlet gets only occasional use, then you should not need to run additional wires. But, if the outlet gets used a lot, and the new switch is going to control a motor...then you may want to run the additional wire.

Tell us HOW you plan on using the switch and outlet, and we can give more details. ("John himself" has assumed you are going to use the switch to operate the outlet, and has given instructions on how to wire it for that)

Good Luck

Answer 3

There are combination switch/outlets available. I don't know if you can even wire a regular switch to a GFCI outlet safely.
http://www.electricsuppliesonline.com/le85swgf.html
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Answer 4

Remember that as long as you keep the line from your breaker panel tied into the 'line' side of your GFI, you can use the 'load' side of the GFI to exdend power to another switch/outlet. But then anything after the line-side of the GFI becomes protected- so that can be a pain in some applications. Its up to you and your need. But its perfectly safe to run a switch from the GFI...a light is not gonna even stress the power unless...hehe, your using growlites.

Answer 5

If there's room in the box for the switch, or if
there's a combo unit, (don't remember seeing one),
you can wire both devices to the circuit.
The GFI will have a "wire through" option that
will allow you to extend the power, (black), wire
to the switch, and then to the load, and the
neutral, (white), to the other terminal of your load.
The extended wire should be taken from the
"protected" terminals on the GFI as the location
probably will require that it be protected.
Do bond and extend the ground wire to the
load location as well.

Answer 6

If you can FIND a GFCI/switch combo, and can't answer this question YOURSELF after reading the paper that comes with it, YOU don't install the device. You pay someone that knows what they are doing.

Answer 7

complex situation. check out on yahoo. it might help!