How to Make Your Outlets not Controlled by a Switch

How To Make Outlet Not Controlled By Switch

Are you frustrated with having your outlets controlled by a switch? Do you wish you could have the convenience of always having power to your outlets without having to worry about the switch? Well, B&K Electric is here to help! As a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, we have been happily serving the residents of Cranston, Warwick, and all of Rhode Island for over seventeen years. Our expertise lies in electrical repair, panel maintenance and installation, making us your go-to electrician for all your home or business needs. In this article, we will discuss how to make your outlets not controlled by a switch and provide valuable insights from our years of experience in the industry.

When it comes to outlets controlled by a switch, there are a few reasons why this may be the case. Firstly, it could be a safety measure to cut off power to an outlet in case of an overload or short circuit. Secondly, it may have been done for energy-saving purposes, to turn off appliances and devices not in use. While these are valid reasons, there are also instances when having your outlets not controlled by a switch is more convenient and practical. Keep reading to find out how you can make this change in your home.

Understand the Electrical Wiring

The first step in making your outlets not controlled by a switch is to understand the electrical wiring in your home. Outlets controlled by a switch have a hot wire and a neutral wire, with the hot wire connecting to the switch. In order to have the outlets always powered, the hot wire needs to be bypassed and connected directly to the outlet. This is not a difficult task, but it does require some knowledge of electrical wiring. This is where hiring a licensed and experienced electrician like B&K Electric can come in handy.

Turn off the Power

Before attempting any electrical work, it is crucial to turn off the power to the outlet. This can be done by shutting off the circuit breaker that controls the outlet or by turning off the main power switch. It is important to verify that the power is off before proceeding with any work. You can do this by using a voltage tester. If you are unsure or uncomfortable doing this yourself, it is best to leave it to a professional electrician.

Bypass the Switch

Once the power is off, you can start the process of bypassing the switch. This involves disconnecting the hot wire from the switch and connecting it to the tab on the outlet marked “hot” or “gold.” Make sure to use wire strippers to expose the wire and tightly secure the connection with a wire nut. You may also have to remove the tab on the outlet to separate the top and bottom outlets if using a split outlet. This allows you to have one outlet controlled by the switch and one that is always powered. Finally, connect the neutral wire to the “neutral” or “silver” tab on the outlet and neatly tuck all the wires back into the electrical box.

Test and Label

After completing the process, you can turn the power back on and test the outlet to make sure it is always powered. You can do this by plugging in a device or using a voltage tester. If all goes well, you can now label the switch with a “do not use” label, to avoid any confusion in the future.

Conclusion

Having outlets not controlled by a switch can be a simple and practical change in your home. By understanding the electrical wiring, turning off the power, bypassing the switch, testing and labeling, you can have the convenience of always having power to your outlets. However, it is important to note that any electrical work should be done by a licensed and experienced electrician to ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes. B&K Electric is here to help you with all your electrical needs and make your life a little easier.

Topics:

Electrical Repair,

Panel Maintenance,

Wiring Installation