How to Wire an Outlet Switch Combo Like a Pro

There are several reasons to install a switch and outlet combination device around your home. The most common is adding versatility to an electrical circuit without running new wiring. You may want to add an outlet while maintaining control of an overhead light or turn a duplex outlet into a switched receptacle. Whatever the reason, a switch and outlet combination device can do that. Learning how to wire an outlet switch combo offers a relatively simple way to increase the functionality of an electrical circuit. 

How to Wire an Outlet Switch Combination 

An outlet and switch combo allows several configuration options to establish various circuit setups. The versatile device has a toggle switch and a receptacle or outlet contained within the same unit. You can use an outlet switch combination device to add an outlet at a single-pole or three-way switch location or add a switch to an outlet or GFCI outlet location for a variety of reasons. 

Unlike wiring a single-function light switch, several configurations are possible with outlet and switch combo devices. How you install it depends on what you're trying to accomplish with it and your home's existing wiring and requirements. 

Following is a list of connection guidelines for possible applications of an outlet switch combo depending on wiring configuration and GFCI or three-way switch requirements.

1. Test Voltage

Working with electrical components in the home can be dangerous. While we encourage using a professional, licensed electrician to perform any electrical work your home requires, some DIY electrical projects might be within your reach, provided you strictly follow several electrical safety guidelines. 

• Always assume a wire is live until you prove otherwise with an appropriate tester, such as a multimeter.

• Before starting work, understand the functions and use of a multimeter or other electrical testing device. 

• Test your testing device on a known live circuit to prove it's functioning as it should before relying on it to test the circuit you're working on. 

• If you're unsure of how to perform any steps to complete an electrical project, stop work and call a pro for assistance. 

2. Switch Controls a Light While Outlet Stays Hot

Suppose the room you're working in has a light fixture on a switch, and you'd like to add an outlet, or you have an outlet high on a wall or workbench, and you'd like to add a light on a switch at that location. You can accomplish that by wiring your combo device to act as a switch for the light while allowing the outlet to always have power available. 

Single Hot Source

1. Connect the power source wire to the outlet hot terminal.

2. Leave the connection tab in place.

3. Connect the load wire to the opposite side of the switch.

4. Connect the neutral side of the outlet to the load and source neutrals

Two Hot Wires

1. Connect each hot wire to the line side of the switch—one to the outlet and one to the switch.

2. Break the connection tab.

3. Connect the load wire to the opposite side of the switch

4. Connect the neutral side of the outlet to the load and source neutrals

GFCI

1. Pigtail the source wire and connect both hots—one to the load hot terminal and one to the line hot terminal. 

2. Connect the load wire to the light to the load side of the switch.

3. Connect the neutral line outlet terminal to the source and load neutral

4. The load neutral will have no wires connected.

Three-Way Switches

1. Connect the line wires to the common terminals on the outlet side.

2. Connect the line neutral wires to the neutral terminals and the light neutral.

3. Connect the traveler wires to the traveler screw terminals.

4. Break the tab on the device closest in line to the light.

5. Leave the tab in place on the other device.

6. Connect the load hot to the common terminal on the switch side at the device nearest the light.

2. Switch Controls the Outlet

If you have an outlet high on a wall and would like to control the outlet from the switch, or if you have a switch and would like to add and control power to the outlet from it, wire it using one of these methods. 

Single Hot Source

1. Connect the source hot to the switch's neutral side

2. Connect the source neutral to the outlet neutral.

3. Leave the connection tab in place. 

Two Hot Wires

1. Use one of the source hot wires to wire the switch as if it were a single hot source configuration.

2. Abandon the second source hot wire. 

GFCI

1. Connect the source hot to the load hot terminal and add a jumper to the line hot terminal.

2. Connect the line terminal to the source neutral.

Tips for Working With Switch and Outlet Combos   

Wiring an outlet switch combination device may appear confusing. Here are a few tips to help sort it out. 

• Always be safe first. Test for electrical current before touching any wires or components. Don't rely on a wall switch to interrupt the power. 

• When multiple wires of varying colors are present in an electrical box, use a multimeter to help identify where each wire goes to or comes from and label them with electrical tape. 

• It may help to consider the outlet switch combo as two separate devices, and the connection tab between the hot terminals is just a jumper wire. 

Cost to Wire an Outlet and Switch Combo

A combination outlet and switch costs between $75 and $270. The cost depends on the outlet you choose, whether you need to run new wire to the location, and how complicated the job is. If you’re adding a new circuit for your outlet and switch combo, you can expect it to cost around $300.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

With patience, installing an outlet and switch combo on your own is possible. However, the job requires a solid understanding of basic electrical principles and wiring knowledge. For safety, the project isn't great as a first-time electrical project due to its potential complexity. 

While installing your own outlet and switch combo device is less expensive than the cost of installing outlets and switches by a professional, having peace of mind that the job is complete and safe by hiring a nearby electrician to perform the task is likely worth the additional price.