The outlet is always hot, and the switch controls only the light. If you don't have an outdoor box to tap into, consider installing an outdoor outlet in your house.

I’ll also cover wiring a light switch and outlet combo, plus tips for swapping out an old switch. It’s all about keeping it simple and getting the job done right—so if you’re ready to ...

Next, cut a hole to accommodate the switch box you’re planning to add, and then cut a one- to two-inch tall slot a few inches wide below the outlet to allow access to fish the wire through.

Installing a wireless light switch is a simple upgrade that you can accomplish in an hour or less. You can control lights from as far as 100 feet away without running any wires through the walls.

When thinking about upgrading your lighting or outlets with smart home technology, smart light bulbs or plugs likely come to mind. Those are certainly useful smart devices, but a smart switch may ...