Can I add a light switch to a receptacle?

Question

Here is what I got. A receptacle next to my back door. I want an outside light. How can I add a switch for the outside light using the power coming from the receptacle from inside?

Do I go from receptacle to light than light to switch? Any idea. Thanks..

Answer 1

Rule One -- turn off the breaker first.  Then mount a switch box above the recepticle.  Run 14/2 w/grd romex from the outlet to the switch cutting the black wire and putting it in series with the switch.  You will also need to ground the switch box.  From there run the romex to the outside light and install the black and white wires to the black and white wires from the light.  Be sure again to ground the box and the light fixture.

good luck --  If you have any doubts about this, then turn it over to a professional or at least an experienced friend.

Answer 2

1st you can get shocked unless power is off..

Outlet to switch then to light.

Answer 3

Either way works.  But if you have to ask this question, maybe you need to get some help.  Better safe than sorry.