Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 3/27/2010

Question
Hello Bruce,
Thanks for your time. We are thinking of expanding a bedroom in our basement but there is an awkward wall that is stopping us from doing so. The wall is not attached to the roof but it has an electrical outlet and a lightswitch on it (which are both active). How would I go about removing that wall, knowing that there is an electrical circuit running through there? Would I need to call in a electrician to come out and take a look at it first? Any help is great help!
James

Answer
Hi Bruce, tracing down an outlet or light switch circuit isn't too difficult.  Chances are that the outlet is connected to another outlet or is in between two other outlets as part of a circuit.  It may even be connected to the same circuit as the light switch. If you open up the wall around the outlet you can see where it gets its power from and whether or not it feeds another outlet down the line.  Trace the wires to where they are coming from and going to. If they run horizontally over and up to the light switch then that answers the question for where the outlet gets its power.  Then you open up the wall from the light switch to see where those wires come from.   Chances are they go up into the ceiling cavity and to the light but there should also be a wire which feeds the switch its main power.  If that wire goes into the ceiling also then you may need to trace it back to the electrical panel to disconnect it or terminate it into an electrical junction box mounted up inside the ceiling joists.  Or terminate it into a junction box in the ceiling joists and run a new wire down into an adjoining wall to reestablish a new location for the light switch.  Having an electrician look at it wouldn't be a bad idea if you aren't familiar with wiring outlets or switches.  And, importantly, always make sure the circuit breaker is shut off or fuse is removed to any power outlet or light switch prior to working on it or inspecting it.  I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com