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Electrical Wiring in the Home/converting an outlet to a switch

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Expert: Ivan Ramirez - 1/1/2008


Question

bedroom outlet
Hello.  We recently bought a chandelier for the master bedroom to replace an existing ugly ceiling fan.  When we went to install it, we realized there is no switch for it.  We had not noticed that what we thought was a light switch is really a 3 prong electrical outlet.  It is mid-way up the wall on the wall that is exactly where you would think the switch for the fixture should be.  It is at exactly the same height as all other light switches in our house and it is the only electrical outlet in the house that is mid-way up the wall.  We were thinking that it probably was a light switch that someone converted into an outlet and we wondered can it be converted back to a switch so we can hang the chandelier.  Can you tell us if that is possible?  Is it an expensive job for an electrician to do?  Thank you.  Happy New Year.

Answer
It very likely used to be a switch that was converted to a plug.  If that is the case, and electrician can convert it back to a switch very quickly.  If it was not the former switch, an electrician can drop the line for a switch but that will take a couple of hours depending on how accessible the attic is.  Good Luck.  -Ivan Ramirez
About Electrical Wiring in the Home
This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here

Ivan Ramirez

Expertise

I am a good communicator and often I am tasked with translating the technical electrical wording to something a customer can understand. Hopefully I can accomplish this in this forum also. I will work hard at giving you a practical answer that you can use to solve or answer you question. I will try to avoid the obligatory 'call an electrician' answer, but sometimes that is really the only thing that can solve the problem. And while I don't discourage people from attempting to solve an electrical problem; everyone should know that mistakes in wiring can have deadly consequences. Therefore, you can always help me by giving me an idea of your skill level since I will always aim to err on the side of caution.

Experience

I am a third generation electrician wiht 14 years experience. I have worked my whole life in Dallas Texas. I graduated cum laude from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor of science. I have worked in residential and commercial settings and I often interact with customers and coordinate other electricians. I currently work as an electrical estimator.

Education/Credentials
master electrician licence certified by southern building code congress international. BS in biology minor in math from university of texas at arlington

Awards and Honors
graduated cum laude U. texas arlinton

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