Removing 3-way switch and outlets from non-load bearing wall

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Hi all - This is my first post, so take it easy on me :) I'm trying to get some advise on what to do with a 3-way switch and a couple of outlets that are currently inside a wall I am working to remove. For the outlets, I was simply thinking to remove the wiring all the way to nearest usable outlet. For the switch, I have good attic access to follow the wiring, so I was thinking to remove the 3-way wiring all the way to the light fixture and convert the other switch to a single pole, but it would be great to just be able to cap it off to avoid the extra work. Appreciate the help!

Featured Answer

AJ
Original Author

11 years ago

Totally respect your answer (I understand the risks), but this is very DIY electrical work. I'm not rewiring anything (only removing). My father-in-law and brother-in-law are electrical engineers, so I definitely would get their blessing on this as well. I was simply looking to get some best practices with others who've had similar experiences.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

lefty47
11 years ago
HI -- Welcome to Houzz AJ . If you are not an electrician , then don't mess with it yourself ,please to be safe ... hire an electrician and have it done so there are no worries and all is to code etc.
Related Professionals
Athens Interior Designers & Decorators · Clarksville Interior Designers & Decorators · Memphis Interior Designers & Decorators · Kalamazoo Interior Designers & Decorators · Wheeling Interior Designers & Decorators · Aberdeen Architects & Building Designers · Beckley Architects & Building Designers · Duluth Architects & Building Designers · Oshkosh Architects & Building Designers · Superior Architects & Building Designers · Napa Architects & Building Designers · Richmond Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Covington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Fall River Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Minot Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
acm
11 years ago
Do you find the 3-way useful? if so, you could maybe fish the wire down to the wall in the foreground and reinstall your same switch there...
AJ
Original Author
11 years ago
I don't need the extra switch at all.
countbla
11 years ago
Might be simple or more complicated depending on how it was laid out -
Does that 3way only have one triple wire going to the light box or does it also connect to the other 3way switch?
For the outlets it might be as you say simply a question of disconnecting/terminating at "previous" outlet in the series, as long as it's not also feeding more outlets downstream of what you're removing...
This is stuff you should be able to see easily once you break a bit of drywall, without even needing to take connections apart.
havingfun
11 years ago
Here is what this old house did, and we duplicated in our 100 plus year old house, cause some of it was really, really old. make sure you have the electrical breaker to that particular switch. Make sure it is not on more than one breaker, sounds incredible but have seen it. Make sure all is off at breaker box. cut it at the light switch and at the nearest box. i am a girl on oxy so i forget names, relay (?), let sit in place. wire is now dead, you should get a cheap tester to be sure, always better safe than sorry. if you lost something you want. redo fresh. remember wires can be run through base boards etc. keeps you from tearing out more walls. ; }
havingfun
11 years ago
oh yeah, we did have a semiretired electrician approve all our work, $50 an outlet. But I guess you got even better sources for free.