How do you make a elec. socket unwswtiched?

Question

I have a socket in which both receptacles are controlled by the light switch. I would like to always have power to the socket. I know it deals with the red wire connected to the switch but I'm not sure what needs to be done. pls. help. thanks

Answer 1

I think if you disconnect the red wires and cap them then put black wire on gold connector at receptacle and the white wire to the silver should work. remember to turn off the breaker first.

Answer 2

The switch should have two wires on it. Shut off the power and disconnect those wires. Straighten them out and put them together with a wire nut. If the wire breaks just strip some more. Put the wires in the back of the box and reinstall the switch. The switch won't work but the receptacle will always be on. This not the only way but it is the easiest.

Answer 3

You will need connect the two wires that got into the switch - probably black ones.

Plug a lamp into the light switch - make sure it is on and working.

Toggle the switch to make sure you are working on the right one.

Leave switch on, then go the breaker box and turn off the correct breaker - verify by the lamp going out.

Remove the light switch from the box.  

Remove the two wires going into the switch.

Join them together with a wire nut (may need to strip the insulation off the wire some more, and twist the wires together)

I like to secure nut with electrical tape, but this really isn't necessary if nut is put on proper.

Push wires back into box.

Switch can be replaced - it will be useless, but don't want to leave hole in wall - or you can replace the switch with a blank plate cover.

Turn on breaker - lamp should light.

Test outlet with an outlet tester ($5-$10 at any store that sells electrical stuff).

Answer 4

Is the power in the switch or in the receptacle? that makes a difference on how it will be done.  Typical is the power is at the receptacle then to the switch and back to the receptacle. Secure the power, open the receptacle, examine for the number of black and red wires in the outlet.  Whatever is on the outlet is the switched leg, put it in a wire nut and tape it on. Then install a jumper from the other black/red wires to the receptacle. That should do it.  If there is no power source in the outlet box, then call a qualified professional electrician to do the work.