Add GFCI outlet off single pole switch (source from light)

mindyhere · Mar 21, 2020

Greetings! I've got a single 12/2 wire coming into an outlet box that is connected to a single pole light switch used to control a vanity light. The light is the source in this setup, which I understand is turned on and off due to the interruption of the current via the switch. I'd like to add a GFCI outlet to this, but not sure how to do this since the source is coming from the light, and not sure if it's possible? I'm fine with the outlet's supply being controlled by the switch as well if that's all that's possible with this setup. The GFCI outlet is a Hubbell commercial self test 15A.

I'm not finding info out on the web regarding this and hoping that it's not because it's not doable (correctly of course.) Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

westward10 · Mar 21, 2020

You can't with the present set-up as you have no neutral at the switch. Both wires are hots.

mindyhere · Mar 21, 2020

westward10 said:
You can't with the present set-up as you have no neutral at the switch. Both wires are hots.

I was afraid this is what the answer would be. Would the best solution be to run a new source for the outlet, or would a double pole switch work?

Thanks for your reply!