both sockets in the outlet run off the switch, so am I correct to assume the power probably runs straight through the switch (thus no direct power wires directly at the socket) and will be a bitch to get to the outlet?

i'd open it up and check but the outlet's in my office and i couldn't post dumb questions with the breaker off

[Edited on January 9, 2009 at 6:26 PM. Reason : 1990 house if the year made implies a different electrical code standard]

1/9/2009 6:25:31 PM

just take the switch out

1/9/2009 6:45:28 PM

open it up with the power on. you'll be fine.

1/9/2009 6:46:52 PM

just unhook both wires from the switch and wire nut them together. won't that work?

1/9/2009 7:27:58 PM

or get one of these



[Edited on January 9, 2009 at 7:29 PM. Reason : lkjfdsa]

1/9/2009 7:28:55 PM

what is the problem with just leaving the switch on?

1/9/2009 10:20:06 PM

Power goes straight to the outlet. Switch leg ("return line") runs through the switch. Just pull out the wires and hook them together. Probably don't even have to turn off the breaker (given that nothing is plugged into the outlet). But it's always a good idea to anyway.

1/9/2009 10:26:52 PM

well the thing is i want to keep the top outlet switch controlled, since there's not a light in here

hmm, probably should have mentioned that from the outset, sorry

[Edited on January 10, 2009 at 11:28 AM. Reason : ^thanks - any specific wire color codes i should be looking for?]

1/10/2009 11:27:26 AM

black - hot
white - neutral
green/copper - ground

1/10/2009 11:36:23 AM

we bypassed the switch at my house so that the plugs were always "on"

I imagine you could do the same. if i remember right, we connected one of the top wires to the bottom instead... but its probably something you might want someone with a little electrical knowledge doing

1/10/2009 4:21:53 PM

I never do anything on anything without flipping the breaker.
I don't like surprises.

1/11/2009 9:55:15 AM

can't you just find another outlet to plug the shit in that you don't want on the switch?

1/11/2009 10:24:24 AM

If you want to separate the two outlets, there's a little metal tab on the back of the outlet that has to be broken or cut or something. I can't find a detailed picture to show you, but it looks like a little metal tab that connects the top to the bottom.
Then leave the upper outlet connected as it already is over to the switch.

But for the bottom outlet, you'll have to run a completely new set of wires to it from somewhere. Unless you're comfortable running wires through the wall, patching drywall (maybe), finding another line elsewhere (ceiling, basement, attic), and connecting in to that, then you should probably just call someone who knows what he's doing.

1/11/2009 11:18:36 AM

like is said, just find another outlet to plug the shit into

1/11/2009 11:25:19 AM

^^He won't have to pull new wire if he has 14/3 at the outlet. This is usually the case because the outlet is usually not the end of the circuit so there is another wire that will carry power (not switched) to the rest of the outlets. you'll probably see a red wire that is straight connetced to anohter wire (ie not connected to the outlet). He can use that to feed the bottom plug after he breaks the metal tab.

1/11/2009 12:32:41 PM