How to Make an Outlet not Controlled by a Switch in Your Home

How To Make Outlet Not Controlled By Switch

Are you tired of constantly reaching for the light switch every time you want to use an outlet in your home? Or perhaps you have a room that only has one switch, and you wish you could control each outlet individually? Well, you’re in luck because it’s actually not as complicated as you may think to make an outlet not controlled by a switch.

Here in Downtown Providence, Rhode Island, B&K Electric is the go-to expert for all things electrical. As a family-owned and operated business with over 17 years of experience, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch service to the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and the greater Providence area. So, let us guide you through the process of making an outlet not controlled by a switch in your home.

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand the difference between a switched and unswitched outlet. A switched outlet is one that is controlled by a switch, meaning you can turn the outlet on and off by flipping the switch. On the other hand, an unswitched outlet is one that is always on, regardless of whether the switch is on or off. Now, let’s get started!

Step 1: Identify the Switched Outlet

The first step is to identify which outlet is controlled by the switch. This can be done by simply plugging in a lamp or an electronic device and flipping the switch on and off. Make sure to do this for each outlet in the room until you find the one that is controlled by the switch.

Step 2: Turn Off Power to the Outlet

For safety purposes, always turn off the power to the outlet before making any changes. This can be done by switching off the designated breaker in your electrical panel. If you are unsure which breaker controls the outlet, it’s best to turn off power to the entire room.

Step 3: Remove the Switch and Connect the Wires

Next, unscrew the switch from the wall and carefully remove the wires from the switch. You will see that there are usually two black wires connected to the switch, and a bare copper wire, which is the ground wire. Using a wire nut, connect the two black wires together, effectively bypassing the switch.

Step 4: Connect the Outlet

Now it’s time to connect the outlet. Start by removing the wires from the old outlet, making note of which wire is connected to which screw on the outlet. Then, using the same wire nut that you used in step 3, connect the two black wires from the switch to the two wires from the outlet. Finally, connect the ground wire to the green screw on the outlet, ensuring it is securely attached.

Step 5: Mount and Test the Outlet

Carefully mount the outlet back into the wall, making sure all the wires are tucked in neatly. Once the outlet is secured, flip the breaker back on and test the outlet with your lamp or electronic device. It should now be unswitched and always on.

Step 6: Double Check the Wiring

It’s always a good idea to double check your wiring to make sure it is done correctly. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to call a licensed electrician to check your work. Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to electrical work.

Congratulations, you have successfully made an outlet not controlled by a switch in your home! You can now enjoy the convenience of having an unswitched outlet in your desired location.

Making an outlet not controlled by a switch may seem like a daunting task, but with the right steps, it can be done safely and effectively. However, if you are uncomfortable working with electricity, it’s always best to seek the help of a professional. At B&K Electric, we are always here to assist with any of your electrical needs. Contact us today for all your residential electrical services.

Topics:

Unswitched outlets,

Electrical safety,

Residential electrical work