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I'm getting a gas insert installed into a formerly wood burning fireplace. The workmen intend to install an outlet to plug in a blower fan. The closest source of power is an exterior outlet in the driveway on the other side of the wall. That outlet is controlled by a switch inside, in another room. I know if they just tap off that outlet, the switch will control both the old and the new. I want the new fireplace outlet to be hot (no pun intended) all the time. I'm sure step one is to replace the 2 wire + ground from the switch to the existing outlet with a 3 wire + ground. Beyond that I could use some help. The power source hits the switch first. Thanks in advance.

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  • If you have attic access finding a line up there that is an always hot to a light fixture may be an easier route than tapping the hot side of the switch but just guessing here. Most lighting circuits have the ampacity to add a blower. A bathroom only branch circuit would would be one of the few places not code compliant to tap.
    – Ed Beal
    Commented Apr 2, 2021 at 20:11
  • is this all wired in conduit?
    – Jasen
    Commented Apr 2, 2021 at 20:13
  • It will be about the same amount of effort, to run a 2-wire from the switch box directly to the new outlet, as to replace the 2 wire from the switch to the old outlet with a 3 wire plus run a two-wire between the outlets. - The new 2-wire need not pass through the old outlet box, even if it ends up passing adjacent to it.
    – A. I. Breveleri
    Commented Apr 2, 2021 at 20:13
  • Jason - it will be. Ed - no attic access :( A. I. - I'm kind of married to the scenario I described. The fireplace wall is all stone. The back in the driveway is brick and will have to be drilled.
    –  Tom H
    Commented Apr 2, 2021 at 20:41
  • Can you post photos of the insides of the boxes in question?
    – ThreePhaseEel
    Commented Apr 2, 2021 at 21:26

1 Answer 1

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Following your scenario, modify the wiring like this:

Adding an unswitched outlet

This requires adding one conductor to the run between the switch and the existing outlet. If your wiring is in conduit then this should present no serious problem.

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  • Sorry for the slow response, took a long weekend and just returned. Thanks A. I. for the diagram.
    –  Tom H
    Commented Apr 5, 2021 at 23:55
  • Also thanks to everyone for all the help.
    –  Tom H
    Commented Apr 5, 2021 at 23:57
  • When you took the tour, @TomH, you may recall that the proper way to say "thanks" 'round here is to click the up arrow next to all answers that help you (if there are more than one) and click the check mark next to the one that helped the most.
    – FreeMan
    Commented May 3, 2021 at 12:38

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