How to Make an Outlet not Controlled by a Switch

How To Make Outlet Not Controlled By Switch

Have you ever walked into a room to discover that your outlets are controlled by a light switch? This can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to charge your phone or use other electronic devices. Fortunately, this problem can be easily fixed by making your outlets not controlled by a switch. As a resident of Cranston, Providence, Rhode Island, you may have encountered this issue in your home. That’s where B&K Electric comes in – a family-owned and operated electrical business based in Warwick, RI, that specializes in electrical repair, panel maintenance, and installation. With over seventeen years of experience, our team of licensed electricians has been serving the community of Cranston, Warwick, and the greater Providence area. In this article, we will discuss the steps on how to make an outlet not controlled by a switch, allowing you to have more control over your home’s electrical usage.

Step 1: Turn off the Power

The first and most crucial step in making an outlet not controlled by a switch is to turn off the power. This is for your own safety and to avoid any potential accidents. To do this, locate your home’s main service panel and flip off the circuit breaker that controls the outlet you want to work on. If you are unsure which circuit breaker controls that outlet, turn off the main power to your house. This will shut down all electricity in your home, and you can safely work on your outlet without worrying about getting electrocuted.

Step 2: Remove the Switch

With the power turned off, remove the switch that controls the outlet. This switch typically has two wires attached to it, one black and one white, and is connected by screws. Loosen the screws and remove the switch from the wall. Make sure to cap off the wires with wire nuts and cover the switch box with an insulated electrical tape.

Step 3: Install a Jumper Wire

Next, you need to install a jumper wire, also known as a pigtail, to connect the two wires that were previously connected to the switch. This wire will bypass the switch and allow electricity to flow freely to the outlet. To do this, strip off the insulator coating from the ends of the two wires, and twist them together with the jumper wire. Secure the connection with a wire nut and wrap it with electrical tape.

Step 4: Ground the Outlet

Before you can install the outlet, you need to ensure that it is properly grounded. A ground wire is essential for the safety and proper functioning of an outlet. To ground an outlet, you can either use an existing ground wire in your electrical box or run a new ground wire from a nearby outlet. Once you have made the connection, secure it with a wire nut and cover it with electrical tape.

Step 5: Install the New Outlet

Now that the outlet is ready, you can install it into the electrical box. Carefully attach both the hot and neutral wires to the correct terminals on the outlet. The black wire goes to the brass-colored screw, and the white wire goes to the silver-colored screw. Make sure the connections are tight by giving them a gentle tug. Screw the outlet into place and ensure that it is level before proceeding.

Step 6: Test the Outlet

With all the connections made, you can now restore power to your home. Turn the circuit breaker back on and test the outlet to see if it is no longer controlled by the switch. If it is still controlled by the switch, there may be another switch controlling the same outlet, or you may have made a connection error. In either case, turn off the power again, double-check your work, and try again.

Closing ideas

Having an outlet controlled by a switch can be inconvenient, but with these simple steps, you can easily make it not controlled by a switch. However, it is crucial to remember to always turn off the power before working on any electrical outlets. If you are unsure about any of the steps or feel uncomfortable handling electricity, it is always best to seek professional help from a licensed electrician like B&K Electric. We are dedicated to providing top-notch electrical services, and our team is well-equipped to handle all your home’s electrical needs.

Topics:

electrical repair,

panel maintenance,

outlet installation.