How to Convert a Wall Receptacle Into a Light Switch for a Light

Discontinue electrical power to the outlet by turning off the circuit breaker associated with it.

Remove the outlet cover plate by turning the screw at its center counterclockwise using a standard screwdriver. Pull the plate off the wall after the screw has been completely removed.

Unfasten the screw at the top and the bottom of the outlet that secures it to the electrical box in the wall. Use a Philips screwdriver to turn the screws counterclockwise. Pull the outlet away from the box slightly so you can more easily access the wires connected to it.

Loosen the terminal screws that secure the wires and detach the wires from the outlet.

Strip an inch of the insulation off both ends of both of the two 6-inch lengths of 14-gauge wire. Use a standard pair of wire strippers to remove the insulation.

Hold one of the ends from each of the two lengths of wire together with the black or red wire in the electrical box in the wall, which is the hot lead. Screw a wire nut onto the bundle of the three wires and wrap electrical tape around the wire nut and onto the wires below the nut. What this accomplishes is to split the hot lead into two wires, which are then connected to the switch. Twist wire nuts on the ends of any unused wires in the box and stuff them back into the box.

Connect the two ends that you just created by bundling together the two 6-inch lengths with the hot lead to the terminal screws on the one side of the light switch. Loosen the screws counterclockwise using the Phillips screwdriver. Insert the ends of the wires into the holes or wrap them around the screw heads. Tighten the screws to secure the wires. The other side of the switch is for connecting the wires from the light once it is installed.

Attach the switch to the electrical box with the screw at the top and bottom. Secure the cover plate for the light switch using the screw provided and restore the power.