Need Help Removing a Wall Outlet Controlled by Switch

Hello,

I have a wall outlet that is currently controlled by a wall switch. I would like to disconnect the switch so that the outlet is always on. Can this be done directly behind the switch or the outlet (without cutting any walls).

If so, what would be the best way to do this?

Thanks,
Mike

 

It can definitely be done at the switch. It may be able to be done at the recepticle.

At the switch just use a wirenut to connect the two insulated wires that attach to the switch. They may be white, black, or red. Do not connect the bare ground wire that may be attached to the switch to anything.

You can either put the switch back in place and just have an unused switch, or you can remove the switch and install a blank cover. In this case you cannot drywall over the box or in anyway permanently cover it.

Changes at the recepticle, if they can be done, depend on the wiring and where the power comes from. I don't recommend going this route unless you want to use the switch for something else, which you might be able to do.

One word of caution. It is required by code for there to be a switched recepticle outlet or a switched light in most rooms of a residence. This is so that a light can be turned on when entering the room, avoiding stumbling around in the dark. When you eventually sell the house you will want to be able to put things back as they were (unless you are adding an overhead light or something like that). I suggest that you make notes about what you did so that you can put the switch back in place.

Also, before you do this you may want to look around. You may be able to change which recepticle in the room is switched, or you may be able to make half the recepticle switched and half always on. If you want to explore this option, then post back and we can explain what to look for.

 

Making the receptacle continuously live is easy. But you apparently have some other goal in mind, such as moving the wall containing the switch?? Please give us the rest of the picture.

As Bob said, code requires a switched light or receptacle in each room, so your project may create a code violation that may make it hard to sell your house in the future.

 

No, no other motives...just gets annoying.

Currently, when you walk into the room, there is a double-switch. One controls the ceiling fan/light fixture. The other controls one of the outlets at the back of the room (I think the previous owners kept another light fixture on and plugged into the outlet so they could turn on all lights as they entered the room.

It's just habit to flick both switches on or off at the same time, even when that's not our intentions.

Thanks for the help!
Mike

 

As I said, you can eliminate the switch at the switch location. Since it is a double box, I suggest that you leave the switch in place, but simply connect the two wires together with a wirenut behind the switch. If you do leave the switch in place then leave a ground wire connected to it, if there is one already there. Just change the two wires that actually carry current.

 

Turn the switch on and put a piece of tape over it to hold it on. After a while, your habits will change and you won't need the tape any longer.

 

LOL...Are we in a psychology forum or an electricity forum?!? LOL

Great idea, not sure my wife will go for it though.