I would like to add an electrical outlet above a light switch to plug in a garage door opener. Is this a difficult DIY?
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adding a plug above a light switch?
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Last: 6 mo ago by RoyVal
It's very easy to add a box for an outlet in the same stud bay as existing electrical, but you want to be careful that you don't nick the romex stapled to the stud when you do it.
Alternatively, it works, the easiest thing you can do is swap the switch for a combo switch/outlet. Need to break the tabs so that the switch doesn't control the outlet (detailed in the instructions). Here's an example: Link
Another option would be to replace the single gang box with a double gang box. None of this is difficult, but you want to be confident you know what you're doing.
Alternatively, it works, the easiest thing you can do is swap the switch for a combo switch/outlet. Need to break the tabs so that the switch doesn't control the outlet (detailed in the instructions). Here's an example: Link
Another option would be to replace the single gang box with a double gang box. None of this is difficult, but you want to be confident you know what you're doing.
Thanks for the feedback. Here is a pic of the location. I would like to mount a plug close to the ceiling above this switch
If the switches only have the hot wires running to them, then it gets a little tricky because you need to find a nearby circuit to tie neutral and ground into. Is there a nearby outlet in the garage, and/or access directly above where you want the outlet coming down from the garage attic space?
But if the switches also have neutral and ground running to them, then adding an outlet above them is pretty straight forward following the tips said above.
But if the switches also have neutral and ground running to them, then adding an outlet above them is pretty straight forward following the tips said above.
How do I determine if the circuit will handle the load of what is plugged in. I plan to plug in a garage door opener.
I'm going to comment based on the assumption that you are installing a new Jack shaft garage door opener to replace a standard opener. If not, disregard.
I had easy access to the area above my garage ceiling. The electric eye safety sensor wires for the traditional opener had to be moved to the new opener position. Since I was in the attic space for sensor wires, I just ran Romex from the outlet in the center of the garage ceiling to a new outlet positioned in the ceiling close to the new opener. There was no need to run it down the wall since the opener has a 4 or 5 ft cord. I pulled the safety sensor wires over to the new location and passed through the ceiling next to the new outlet.
I had easy access to the area above my garage ceiling. The electric eye safety sensor wires for the traditional opener had to be moved to the new opener position. Since I was in the attic space for sensor wires, I just ran Romex from the outlet in the center of the garage ceiling to a new outlet positioned in the ceiling close to the new opener. There was no need to run it down the wall since the opener has a 4 or 5 ft cord. I pulled the safety sensor wires over to the new location and passed through the ceiling next to the new outlet.
Perfect thanks! Yes I am installing a side mount opener. Is this a pretty straight forward install?
Easier than traditional install but since it was my first side mount- I watched a few YouTube videos. I am thrilled with the new opener - fast and quiet. The backup battery has lasted 5 years.
Two things I didn't like were due to a different operating radio frequency from the older opener:
I had to replace the outside keypad because my old keypad would not work with the new opener. The new exterior keypad is backwards compatible with the old style opener in my other garage.
I have an older German roadster and the home link button in the mirror required a home link repeater/converter for it to function with the new opener.
Two things I didn't like were due to a different operating radio frequency from the older opener:
I had to replace the outside keypad because my old keypad would not work with the new opener. The new exterior keypad is backwards compatible with the old style opener in my other garage.
I have an older German roadster and the home link button in the mirror required a home link repeater/converter for it to function with the new opener.
I'll second Whoop Delecto to go with a ceiling installed outlet if your access allows it.
I also put in a couple of jackshaft openers and they went in pretty easily. My only issue was that I had to fiddle with my tension monitors several times before I got them to work consistently.
I also put in a couple of jackshaft openers and they went in pretty easily. My only issue was that I had to fiddle with my tension monitors several times before I got them to work consistently.
Change one of the switches to this, and make the 3rd box an outlet
Josepi said:
Change one of the switches to this, and make the 3rd box an outlet
Yep or use this :
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