How to Replace a Combo Switch Outlet

Although changing a combination switch/outlet requires a bit of preparation and care, it is not a difficult task. These instructions are for a two-way switch, meaning only one switch is in the circuit. If you have a three-way switch (with two switches controlling one light), you will have an extra wire, usually red in color, to contend with.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-bladed screwdriver
• Philips screwdriver
• Masking tape
• Pencil and paper
• Wire strippers
• Replacement switch/outlet
• Needle-nose pliers
• Outlet tester

Instructions

Remove Existing Switch/Outlet Combo

1. Turn off the appropriate circuit breaker(s) so that there is no power to the switch or outlet.

   Caution: Do not assume that the same breaker controls both the outlet and the switch.

2. Using the flat-bladed screwdriver, remove the plastic cover from the front of the switch/outlet by removing the appropriate screw(s). Save for reuse.

3. Remove the Philips screws (typically there are two) holding the switch/outlet combo in place in the electrical box.

4. Grab the switch/outlet combo and pull it out of the electrical box. You may have to apply a small amount of force as the wires attached to the switch/outlet combo will have been bent backwards into the box.

5. Affix a small piece of masking tape to each wire (typically there are five) attached to the existing switch/outlet combo, and mark the tape with consecutive numbers beginning with 1.

6. Make a simple drawing of the existing switch/outlet combo, noting where each of the wires, by number, is connected.

Replace Ground Wire

1. Locate the ground wire on the switch. This wire will either be bare copper or covered in green insulation. Loosen the screw holding this wire in place and remove it from the switch/outlet combo.

2. Locate the ground connection on the new switch/outlet combo. Refer to the switch/outlet instructions to locate this screw, typically labeled GND or GROUND. Often this screw will be green in color. Loosen, but do not remove, this screw.

3. Remove approximately 3/4 inch of any insulation from the end of the wire using wire strippers.

4. Wrap the uninsulated end of the ground wire around the ground screw post in a clockwise direction.

5. Use needle-nose pliers to pinch the end of the wire around the screw. Tighten the screw firmly. Do not allow any insulation to get under the screw.

Replace Switch Wires

1. Identify the wires on the existing switch/outlet combo associated with the switch--there will be two located directly behind the switch portion of the combo.

2. Remove the two switch wires from the existing switch/outlet combo: If attached by screw terminals, loosen the screws and remove the wires. If attached by insertion terminals, you can usually grab the wire and remove it with a twisting motion. (If grabbing and twisting doesn't work, look for a small slot located adjacent to the terminal; insert a very small screwdriver in the slot to loosen the connector.)

3. Identify the switch terminals on the new switch/outlet combo, generally located directly behind the screw portion of the combo.

4. Using either the screw terminals or the insertion terminals, install the two switch wires. Either wire can go to either terminal.

   With screw terminals, remove approximately 3/4 inch of insulation and wrap the bare wire around the screw post in a clockwise direction. Do not let any insulation to get under the screw. Use needle-nose pliers to pinch the end of the wire around the screw. Tighten the screw firmly.

   With insertion terminals, ensure a sufficient amount of insulation has been stripped from the wire, as specified in the switch/outlet combo instructions. Grasp the wire firmly and push it into the terminal.

5. Grasp each of the wires that have been installed and verify that they are firmly attached to the switch/outlet combo.

Replace Outlet Wires

1. Examine the back of the existing switch/outlet combination and identify the terminals directly behind the outlet. Typically there will be one black and one white wire. Embossed into the plastic is a notation identifying which side of the switch is connected to the black and white wires.

2. Examine the replacement switch/outlet combo and identify the terminals that correspond to the outlet. Again, symbols in the plastic should indicate which terminal is to be wired with which wire.

3. Remove the black wire(s), one at a time, from the old outlet and connect them to the new outlet.

   If you have multiple black wires, you may use both the insertion or screw terminals, or wrap two wires around a single screw.

4. Repeat the preceding step with the white wire(s).

Final Steps

1. Locate any gold-colored metal tabs that run between the switch side and the outlet side on the old switch/outlet combo. If you do not see any metal tabs on the old switch/outlet combo, locate the corresponding tabs from the new switch/outlet combo and use your needle-nose pliers to break these tabs off. If the old outlet/switch combo has these tabs intact, do not remove them from the new outlet/switch combo.

2. Grasp the new switch/outlet combo, and bend the attached wires carefully so that they can fit back into the box.

3. Tighten the screws on the top and bottom of the switch/outlet combination so that the switch is flush with your wall.

4. Reinstall the cover plate.

Testing

1. Turn the appropriate circuit breaker(s) on.

2. If the circuit breaker immediately trips, you have incorrectly wired the new outlet/switch combo. Recheck your work.

3. Plug your outlet tester into the outlet portion of the combo, and verify that it indicates proper operation--typically shown by two yellow lights.

4. Verify that the switch properly controls the appropriate lights or outlets.

Tips & Warnings

• If the metal tab is intact on the existing combo, you may see fewer wires than described in this procedure.

• If the wiring does not appear as described on the old switch/outlet combo, refer the project to a qualified electrician.

• Always make sure you have turned off the appropriate circuit breaker before working on any circuit. Consider using a meter or a test light. If you have any doubts about the appropriate circuit breaker, turn the master power off to the entire house.

• When you are finished installing the wires onto the new switch/outlet combo, none of the black and white wires should have any uninsulated wire visible. If uninsulated wire is visible, remove and reinstall the connection.

• If you choose to label the wires, do not use any tape that has a metallic content. This includes duct tape.

• If the ground wire is uninsulated, use caution when inserting the switch/outlet combo back into the electrical box. You do not want this uninsulated wire to be in contact with any of the other screw terminals.

References

• Leviton 5224-2 Product Specification
• Home Depot Guide: Installing Receptacle
• Home Depot Guide: Replacing a Switch