How do i wire an outlet off of this switch?

[tomtomtom]

First post to this forum so bear with me.
So i am hoping to put an outlet in a spare closet so I can plug in various items and have them out of the way...
Ive watched a few videos and none of them have so many wires coming into the box.. This box has three and three black wires to the switch.. two quick connected and one using one of the only two screws that are on the side both of which are gold. ..This kind of threw me off..
So I am just looking for advice on how I would go about wiring a standard power outlet directly below this light switch that is inside a walk in closet. Or if its even plausible
Any advice would be great.
Thanks

 

[tomtomtom]

From your first picture in #3 disconnect the lower black by pushing a small screwdriver into the slot by the wire this should allow removal, ensure power is off. Make safe and see if the light it switched on no longer switches on.

I tested this outlet with a multimeter. why are there two hots going into the switch? Any idea?

 

[tomtomtom]

Advice is often given, but it's about knowing when people are out of there depth and may need on site assistance. It's not always possible to give safe advice via a forum.

Im not necessarily out of my depth, I just like to have a good understanding on a topic before getting into a project, especially with electrical work which can be dangerous. Appreciate the concern though. Everyone is being pretty helpful, and I understand electrical work is one of those things where you kinda have to be there and with limited info can be dangerous to give advice. Considering just replacing the switch with a receptacle/switch combo instead... How would I wire that?

 

[tomtomtom]

removed the wire from the screw and the kitchen light ---- off, so I reconnected it and turned off the kitchen light switch and tested the wire again and it was still 120.. not sure if that determines anything... pretty sure the wire on the left side is going to the ceiling fixture in the closet to power the light bulbs

 

[westward10]

Both those blacks are probably hot, hot in and hot out. One is on the screw the other the stab terminal if this is the case see #4.

 

[tomtomtom]

Both those blacks are probably hot, hot in and hot out. One is on the screw the other the stab terminal if this is the case see #4.

if i go witha combo switch / receptacle instead I would like to wire it so that the receptacle is always on. what would i need to do differently if that is to work?
Thanks for the reply btw. ap[appreciate it

 

[westward10]

If you use a combo unit there should be a breakable link between the switch hot and receptacle hot, you leave this link in place so it is always on. Purchase one and it should become clear.

 

[tomtomtom]

If you use a combo unit there should be a breakable link between the switch hot and receptacle hot, you leave this link in place so it is always on. Purchase one and it should become clear.

thanks!

 

[tomtomtom]

this is what im working with.. No quick connects.. three black wires.. this needs to be grounded as well i assume... and i have some 12 gauge wire if i need to use it... just unsure exactly where each wire needs to go and i really dont want to do the process of elimination. thoughts?

 

[tomtomtom]

If you use a combo unit there should be a breakable link between the switch hot and receptacle hot, you leave this link in place so it is always on. Purchase one and it should become clear.

I think ive got it figured out aside from the ground and neutral. Do I need to connect a small wire from the neutral screw and tie it into the bunch of white neutral wires as well as a small ground wire into the ground wires fastened with a nut? Im assuming so, but just want to be sure.
Thanks

 

[westward10]

Yes assuming those two blacks are hot in and hot out. The neutral as you say and a ground to the bare wires at the wire nut. Let us know how you get on.

 

[tomtomtom]

Nailed it first attempt wiring as I illustrated in the ghetto diagram i made in photoshop.
Thanks everyone for the assistance! Noob level up complete

 

[westward10]

Glad it all worked out.