Can you switch out a light socket to a electrical outlet?

Question

there is a single light socket in a closet of mine and when i popped it out it has 2 live wires and a wire coil on and i need to have an electrical outlet there. could i take an outlet and put the wires around the screws and have it work with no ill effects?

Answer 1

Be certain that the power is off to that socket.  Remove the whole thing from the ceiling or wall and troop off to the local hardware store and buy the replacement.Let them show you what to do and go home and do it exactly as told. You might consider wearing a Depends if you are not certain that the power is off. Cleanup is not pleasant.

Answer 2

yes but i would suggest putting the switch on then shut the breaker off, so the power will be contiuess.. blck to blck , white to white and copper to copper.. I would recomend buying a socket with aGFI the one with its own little breaker incase it trips you can reset it there and also incase of other problems if they occur..

Answer 3

You probably had a light on a pull string their. Most light circuits are 15amp. You may be OK If you have a ground wire too. Just don't overload the outlet.