Wiring combo outlet & switch but box w/ 3 wires

wiring

So I have a light outlet I want to turn into a combo outlet and switch. I purchased the combo outlet / switch. However I open and pulled the wires out of the wall box and it has 3 white wires tied together (not going to old switch). And 3 black wires, 2 tied together and pigtailed to one pole on the switch the the 3rd going to the other pole on the old switch. and of course a ground. Not sure how to wire new switch / outlet combo. I have it wired currently like the old switch (just using black wires) and the switch works but of course the outlet does not. Not sure which or what white wires & black wires to put on what poles for the outlet portion of this to work. I did break off the tab on the new combo switch as I was trying to wire it but was unable to get the correct white / black wire / pole combo correct. Using a typical combo switch like this: https://www.acehardware.com/departments/lighting-and-electrical/switches-outlets-and-plugs/outlets/3809704?store=16805&gclid=Cj0KCQiA9P__BRC0ARIsAEZ6irgtfuos8sJNLklaPK4keXu70xnKPSZSjT9nxrENGfd3ZL1LGgCns48aAvdUEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

enter image description here

Best Answer

Since you broke the tab, you have (electrically) two separate devices, so you will need one extra wire instead of two. But no big deal.

You will need one extra piece of black wire and one extra piece of white wire, and two wire nuts to replace the existing wire nuts.

Screw colors are based on the picture & instructions from the linked switch. Others may vary somewhat.

  • Existing black switch hot wire (the one that is combined with two others) goes to black screw on switch (top right if switch on top)
  • New black wire connected to the other three black wires in a wire nut and to the black screw on receptacle (lower right)
  • Existing black switched hot wire (the one that is by itself) goes to brass screw on switch (top left)
  • New white wire connected to all the other white wires in a wire nut and to the silver screw on receptacle (lower left)