I'm a homeowner - not a pro. But, I've added fixtures, run new wire, installed switches and receptacles, etc. With a lot of topics, I still need "Home improvement for Dummies!"
I want to add a receptacle on the wall right next to an existing switch. The switch has a hot line coming down to it from the power supply of the fixture it controls. It interrupts that hot line, and when turned on, sends current to the fixture. So, all that's in the box is two wires: the hot line coming down, and the line that becomes hot when the switch is on. There's no neutral wire or ground wire. To put a receptacle in, I normally would have to snake a romex cable down to the spot I want, and then install the black and white wires to the correct screws. It would be so much easier if I could use the existing electric source which comes to this switch. I wouldn't have to snake any new wires. I would like to just replace my single switch box, with a double box - screw the switch in and screw the receptacle in. But, can I wire the receptacle from the power that comes from that switch? I've never done a receptacle without a neutral wire going on the silver screw. Can it be done? Is there a legal (code) way? Please help!! Thanks