electric outlets in bedrooms

[barbara828]

Besides calling Pike, or A handyman, how may one change the outlet that operates for only a single item. not explaining well, but I want to switch it to an ''always on' outlet.

[MSchad]

Besides calling Pike, or A handyman, how may one change the outlet that operates for only a single item. not explaining well, but I want to switch it to an ''always on' outlet.

If it is operated by a single switch, just bypass the switch. The switch will do nothing then. If a two way switch, call the electrician/handy man.

[BobnBev]

If it is operated by a single switch, just bypass the switch. The switch will do nothing then. If a two way switch, call the electrician/handy man.

Plug a lamp into the outlet that works, now take that plug and plug it into the one that doesn't work, flip the wall switch and both of them should work. Switch might have a red dot on it.

[Altavia]

Google "change switched outlet to unswitched", lots of info and videos.

[villagetinker]

OP, this can be complicated if you are not familiar with working on house wiring. Basically, the power from the panel box in the garage will be going to the outlet. at the outlet there was a small brass link between the two halves of the outlet that was removed. In it place the cable to the switch was installed. Therefore, one outlet stays on and the other is switched. there are a couple of ways you can convert this to non-switched operation, but I am concerned that you need help doing this. IMHO, call a handyman ($$) or a licensed electrician ($$$) to have this completed.
If you decide to do this yourself, make sure you turn the power OFF at the circuit breaker before start changing/removing wires.
PS the easiest way to do this is to mark the switch to not turn it off.

[Ecuadog]

I am going to assume that you have a wall oulet with 2 receptacles, 1 is always on and 1 is controlled by a wall switch. Why not plug an extender into the "always on" half and just ignore the "switched" half?

Amazon - GE Extender $4.99 ...click here (https://smile.amazon.com/Electric-54195-Polarized-3-Outlet-Grounded/dp/B002DN8DHE)

[retiredguy123]

Besides calling Pike, or A handyman, how may one change the outlet that operates for only a single item. not explaining well, but I want to switch it to an ''always on' outlet.
1. Turn off the circuit breaker
2. Remove the cover plate from the wall switch
3. Disconnect the wires from the switch and remove the switch
4. Install a wire nut on the wires
5. Install a blank cover plate
6. Turn on the circuit breaker

[Garywt]

Either just leave the switch on all the time or as noted, plug a multi outlet plug into the outlet that works.

[ThirdOfFive]

1. Turn off the circuit breaker
2. Remove the cover plate from the wall switch
3. Disconnect the wires from the switch and remove the switch
4. Install a wire nut on the wires
5. Install a blank cover plate
6. Turn on the circuit breaker
This would work, but I strongly advise against it, for two reasons.

First, it merely disables the switch. It does nothing for the OP's desire to have an "always on" outlet.

Second, and far more importantly, someone with little or no knowledge of electricity absolutely should NOT be attempting to work with it. Turning off the circuit breaker that controls a particular outlet in order to work on that outlet is DANGEROUS. See the following quote from The Spokesman Review, article October 3, 2006:

"People often think it’s safe to turn off a single breaker to work on a given circuit in the home. Nothing could be more foolish. As often as not, electricians will use a single junction box to connect wires from two or more circuits.

In other words, you can turn off the breaker to a light or plug and still find an active hot lead in the electric box that you are working on."

Also, capping the wires, once disconnected, is something that a person might not do correctly. Caps are screwed, not pressed on and unless a person knows that, there is a good chance he or she may not do it correctly and end up with an exposed wire (and thus a dangerous situation) in that box, as well as causing problems down the line if electricity flows THROUGH that box to other fixtures down the line. Also there are different-sized caps for different wires. capping a wire with the wrong-sized cap can lead to an exposed wire dangling in that box somewhere down the line.

Hire an electrician. Best and safest way to accomplish what you want. It will cost you a few bucks but you won't be in any danger.

[Keefelane66]

A lot less expensive than hiring electrician. Good suggestion

[B-flat]

I have 2 switches I never want shut off. I bought 2 of these covers at Home Depot but Amazon has them too, I’m sure Lowe’s must have them too.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Switch-Guards-Protects-Circuits-Accidentally/dp/B089M8PTRG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZHGTW4V232OA&keywords=Switch+Plate+Covers+blocker&qid=1661946039&sprefix=switch+plate+covers+blocker%2Caps%2C59&sr=8-2)

[retiredguy123]

I have 2 switches I never want shut off. I bought 2 of these covers at Home Depot but Amazon has them too, I’m sure Lowe’s must have them too.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Switch-Guards-Protects-Circuits-Accidentally/dp/B089M8PTRG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=ZHGTW4V232OA&keywords=Switch+Plate+Covers+blocker&qid=1661946039&sprefix=switch+plate+covers+blocker%2Caps%2C59&sr=8-2)
Those will work for the toggle type switches, but not for the larger, "designer" switches that many of the Villages houses have.

[retiredguy123]

This would work, but I strongly advise against it, for two reasons.

First, it merely disables the switch. It does nothing for the OP's desire to have an "always on" outlet.

Second, and far more importantly, someone with little or no knowledge of electricity absolutely should NOT be attempting to work with it. Turning off the circuit breaker that controls a particular outlet in order to work on that outlet is DANGEROUS. See the following quote from The Spokesman Review, article October 3, 2006:

"People often think it’s safe to turn off a single breaker to work on a given circuit in the home. Nothing could be more foolish. As often as not, electricians will use a single junction box to connect wires from two or more circuits.

In other words, you can turn off the breaker to a light or plug and still find an active hot lead in the electric box that you are working on."

Also, capping the wires, once disconnected, is something that a person might not do correctly. Caps are screwed, not pressed on and unless a person knows that, there is a good chance he or she may not do it correctly and end up with an exposed wire (and thus a dangerous situation) in that box, as well as causing problems down the line if electricity flows THROUGH that box to other fixtures down the line. Also there are different-sized caps for different wires. capping a wire with the wrong-sized cap can lead to an exposed wire dangling in that box somewhere down the line.

Hire an electrician. Best and safest way to accomplish what you want. It will cost you a few bucks but you won't be in any danger.
I agree with the safety concerns with disconnecting the power. Obviously, paying an electrician will solve any electrical problem, but the OP asked for DIY solution. I think removing a wall switch is a relatively easy DIY project.

I'm not sure how removing the wall switch is functionally different from creating an "always on" outlet in another way. What is the difference?

Also, if you just remove the switch, and install a blank plate, you can reinstall the switch when you want to sell the house.

[rjm1cc]

I agree with leave the switch on. But you can get a plug in adapter that will let you plug 3 items into the one outlet at the hardware store. I would do this if you have a problem with leaving the switch on all the time.
3 way plug adapter - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=3+way+plug+adapter)

[ton80]

Those will work for the toggle type switches, but not for the larger, "designer" switches that many of the Villages houses have.

Amazon and others sell plates for the designer switches just continue down to related products. Copied from the website but formatting got changed. This item is 5$ each plus shipping.


"Switch Style Decorator
Material Plastic
Brand PSZEZNZ
Color White
Item Dimensions LxWxH 11 x 1.38 x 1.06 inches

About this item

These Rocker Switch guard Shields are Widely suitable for all flat modern switches For paddle switches and european style double light switches

Built-in magnets that instantly attach to switch screws on all rocker switches - no tools needed! Can also remove screws and attach the shield

Durable, high-quality plastic materials,
Clear White design for any home decor or wall plate. Only lock is included,

No switches or plates.

If you are looking for a cover for your White/Clear Magnetic Light Switch Guards, please search for B099QSTQX7 in the Amazon search bar.

[retiredguy123]

Amazon and others sell plates for the designer switches just continue down to related products. Copied from the website but formatting got changed. This item is 5$ each plus shipping.


"Switch Style Decorator
Material Plastic
Brand PSZEZNZ
Color White
Item Dimensions LxWxH 11 x 1.38 x 1.06 inches

About this item

These Rocker Switch guard Shields are Widely suitable for all flat modern switches For paddle switches and european style double light switches

Built-in magnets that instantly attach to switch screws on all rocker switches - no tools needed! Can also remove screws and attach the shield

Durable, high-quality plastic materials,
Clear White design for any home decor or wall plate. Only lock is included,

No switches or plates.

If you are looking for a cover for your White/Clear Magnetic Light Switch Guards, please search for B099QSTQX7 in the Amazon search bar.
I agree. There are lots of products available for blocking a wall switch, if you don't want to remove the switch entirely.

[DAVES]

Amazon and others sell plates for the designer switches just continue down to related products. Copied from the website but formatting got changed. This item is 5$ each plus shipping.


"Switch Style Decorator
Material Plastic
Brand PSZEZNZ
Color White
Item Dimensions LxWxH 11 x 1.38 x 1.06 inches

About this item

These Rocker Switch guard Shields are Widely suitable for all flat modern switches For paddle switches and european style double light switches

Built-in magnets that instantly attach to switch screws on all rocker switches - no tools needed! Can also remove screws and attach the shield

Durable, high-quality plastic materials,
Clear White design for any home decor or wall plate. Only lock is included,

No switches or plates.

If you are looking for a cover for your White/Clear Magnetic Light Switch Guards, please search for B099QSTQX7 in the Amazon search bar.

Re: Amazon
Frankly their size, their service is spooky. I would not want to compete with them. As a Amazon prime member, you get their TV service, less 5% on already low prices and free shipping. If, you do not like the item or whatever, they pay the postage to return it.

[ton80]

I agree. There are lots of products available for blocking a wall switch, if you don't want to remove the switch entirely.

Retired Guy

OP's initial post suggested that keeping the switch on was the objective. Putting the cover over the switch when the switch is in the on position does that precisely. Removing the switch, bypassing the switch etc. were suggestions by responders. My suggestion was aimed at eliminating any need to get involved with the inside the receptacle box and live electric wires.

The switch cover can be installed with the magnet or by removing the screws on the switch cover plate and putting the cover in place and then tightening the screws. If the OP was concerned they could turn off the breaker until the cover plate and the switch cover were replaced. In the future the switch can be returned to its original function by reversing this procedure.

In looking for products that can block the modern switch, the product I referenced was the only one I found during a quick Amazon search..

[B-flat]

Those will work for the toggle type switches, but not for the larger, "designer" switches that many of the Villages houses have.
Maybe this style will?

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099QSHC1N/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B099QSHC1N&pd_rd_w=FZyJ1&content-id=amzn1.sym.999c0877-3704-4f0f-9726-eebf80846a35&pf_rd_p=999c0877-3704-4f0f-9726-eebf80846a35&pf_rd_r=BP0P0S9Z2B1RHVJW2FN8&pd_rd_wg=KFIUa&pd_rd_r=139fdf41-6e41-40bf-8265-907b3b46d448&s=hi&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzUE9ZVVUwOVExNTRFJ mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTY0MTIwT0ZZS0tLWEo2TEhPJmVuY3J 5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxNzg2OTBNNjBJSEJOMjdKVlgmd2lkZ2V0T mFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWwmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9 Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl)

[tonyt57]

It’s an electrical code requirement, removing it would be a violation

[Catalina36]

Exactly what I thought. Why complicate the matter. Yes, you can remove the switch wiring from the outlet and install a new outlet because the old outlet has the 2 outlets split / separated. Where when you purchase a new outlet they are linked together. and that would solve your outlet issue. But then you would have a switch in the wall that controls zero.

[Tjmorello]

I do handyman work and can help you with this. Let me know, thanks.

[rsmurano]

If the OP is a newbie on electrical issues, I would first tell them to hire somebody that knows what they are doing and watch them so they can learn how to do it in the future. Like other people have mentioned, it might not be as simple as somebody explained.
IMO, nobody mentioned get a tester to make sure there is no power to the outlet. The OP needs to make sure all power is cut off to the outlet/box and the only way to make sure is to test the wires to see if they are still hot. There are ma y wire cap sizes, which 1’s does the op need? Get somebody else to do it

[Sandy and Ed]

I am going to assume that you have a wall oulet with 2 receptacles, 1 is always on and 1 is controlled by a wall switch. Why not plug an extender into the "always on" half and just ignore the "switched" half?

Amazon - GE Extender $4.99 ...click here (https://smile.amazon.com/Electric-54195-Polarized-3-Outlet-Grounded/dp/B002DN8DHE)
Exactly what I would do. Why risk screwing it up or electrocuting yourself (both very likely outcomes in my case) when there is a cheap easy solution that will not redesign something the next owner would prefer?

[retiredguy123]

It’s an electrical code requirement, removing it would be a violation
It depends. Most Villages houses have two wall switches in the bedrooms, one controls a wall outlet, and the other controls the ceiling fan and/or ceiling light. The electrical code requires that the room have at least one switched lighting outlet. So, you could remove one of the wall switches and still comply with the code. But, I think the best option for the OP is to buy a plastic cover designed to disable the switch, as other posters have suggested. Amazon has several different products that will do this.

[Smiley Services]

It’s an electrical code requirement, removing it would be a violation

Not true at all...... if it is a code, please share the code form the National Electrical Code (NEC) book....

[retiredguy123]

Not true at all...... if it is a code, please share the code form the National Electrical Code (NEC) book....
NEC 210.70

It requires at least one wall switch to control a lighting outlet. But, most houses in The Villages have two switches, one for the ceiling outlet, and one for a wall outlet. So, I think you can remove one of them without violating the code.

[MrFlorida]

Just leave the switch on.

[retiredguy123]

Just leave the switch on.
LOL. Who would have thought of that? But, I did once have a lamp plugged in to an extension cord, and used one of the cord outlets to charge my laptop. It charged great until I left the room and turned off the lamp with the wall switch.

[fjoyner]

Besides calling Pike, or A handyman, how may one change the outlet that operates for only a single item. not explaining well, but I want to switch it to an ''always on' outlet.

If the outlet is currently controlled by a wall switch (it's almost always just the top outlet of the two), you can just swap the outlet for one that hasn't been 'clipped' to allow for the one to be switched. If you aren't comfortable doing that sort of thing yourself, you do need to call someone to do it for you. Or you could just leave the switch in the 'on' position all the time. Pardon if I'm not understanding exactly what you're asking.

[jammaiora]

Besides calling Pike, or A handyman, how may one change the outlet that operates for only a single item. not explaining well, but I want to switch it to an ''always on' outlet.
The wall switch at the room entrance controls the top plug at the outlet with the red dot for a lamp. The bottom part of the plug is always on. Don't know if that answers your question.

[rsmurano]

Since you are just talking about 1/2 of an outlet, put an outlet strip on the always on outlet and don’t use the other. If you sell the new owner might want a switch controlled outlet

[sasman29]

If you are referring to the fact that the Top Socket is controlled by the light switch and you want both always on. You have to take apart socket and remove red/load wire that goes back to switch and make sure both HOT / Black sides of the screws are connected to black wire.
Basically unhook red and cap it off then jump black to top screw. And obviously. Cut the breaker before you do. What i have done with a few of the switches ism to replace the single gang (two plugs one below the other ) with a double gang(4 plugs) and giving me 3 always on and one controlled by switch.

[barbara828]

I ALWAYS turn off the main ! [ Unlike my son ]

[tonyt57]

Not true at all...... if it is a code, please share the code form the National Electrical Code (NEC) book....

210.70, actually a switched light or a switched out, not both, is required in any room other than a kitchen or bath

[fdpaq0580]

1. Turn switch "ON".
2. Duct tape switch to hold it "ON".
3. Write "Do not remove" on duct tape.
Job complete. Have a beer to celebrate.