Need to install an outlet

Got a small freezer that I want to put in the garage. However, the only space I have doesn't have an outlet. However, there are some light switches close by.

My question is, how can I get power from the hot side of the switch to go to the outlet. It's got three wires, hot neutral and ground. Can I basically tap in to the hot wires and run them to my outlet?

 

Yup but turn breaker OFF after you locate the constant hot!

 

You'll want it the switch outlet between the same studs that the switch is in between if your going for easy. You can go perpendicular across studs if you want but it's more of a pain and involves more tools.

Here is a good how to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p79UHZb09Y

One thing you'll want to do is mount that plug up a bit if it is in your garage. I actually have mine about 5 feet off the ground just in case I have a water heater catastrophe (it lives in the garage) or any other flooding issue.

 

Yes it can be done ez peezy! I ain't an electrician. I've done it tho, be safe, do your homework and don't burn down the house!

 

^^^He knows his shit bro!^^^

 

This was basically my plan. To install it level with the existing light switches. Thanks for the quick responses

 

This is me doing my homework lol. And I definitely don't want to burn down my house

 

As long as there are at least two romex’s in the box. Sometimes they run a “dead end switch leg” which won’t have a neutral in the box. If there at least two white wires spliced then You’re good to go. If the white plugs into the switch you’re outta luck. It sounds like it’s a multi gang so most likely you have regular power there so it should be fine. Also in a garage you need a GFI outlet by code.

 

That's what I ended up grabbing. Why would a gfci be required in the garage?

 

It’s because they consider an area where you could come in contact with water and have a potential shock hazard.

 

Makes sense. Well thank you all for the answers. Very useful pool of knowledge

 

While gfci protection is required in sfd garage I do not recommend it for a fridge. Fridges tend to trip gfci’s in turn wasting everything inside if not caught in time. I’m a journeyman electrician, pm with any questions. Good luck!

 

I’m a journeyman electrician too and I understand where you’re coming from. The chances are pretty low of someone getting shocked are pretty low, but it is still technically the code requirement especially if it’s somewhere something else could be plugged in.