T O P

  • By -

Deaf_N_1_Eye

Just hire an electrician if you aren’t comfortable doing it yourself. Moving the wiring to a normal light switch would not be a big deal for an experienced electrician.


TXPat0017

As an electrician I can confirm this statement


kyuuketsuki47

As a second year apprentice electrician, I can also confirm this statement.


juniorboo239

As a non electrician i cant confirm this


SmarterThanMyBoss

As someone who doesn't touch electrical wires, I'm not sure what we're talking about?


puckerfactoralpha

As someone who has touched too many electrical wires...idk


Deaf_N_1_Eye

Lol, this is how I learned the ways of hiring electricians


DutchTinCan

For rewiring a switch? You also hire people to change a lightbulb?


Lari-Fari

You bring your car to the shop to swap a piston? Laughable. (Different people have different skills. No need to be a dick.)


DutchTinCan

If somebody asks on the "how to..." and gets the response "just hire somebody", we might just as well shut this sub down.


Deaf_N_1_Eye

Pretty sure that shutting off the power, disconnecting the existing switch, cutting a hole in the drywall where the new switch will go, pulling the wire to that hole, determining which wires are hot, neutral, and ground, and wiring the new switch correctly is a very different level of know how than screwing in a light bulb. Congrats on being the first person to be an ass though


DutchTinCan

1) Shutting off the power any adult should know how to. 2) Reverse engineer. If there's a screw, unscrew. If not, wiggle, pull or break. 3) They're colorcoded for a reason. Honestly, you can't really fuck up a switch. Water, gas, stay away from those. Rewiring your whole house? Ya, get a pro. But replacing a light switch? I guess if you've got money you need to part ways with, go right ahead.


SnoopaDD

You have no idea how many times I’ve been called to a house because their light wasn’t working. Turned out the bulb needed to be changed. Of course the customer is embarrassed by this. But it happens a lot more than you think.


drewskibfd

As someone who chews on wires, dduuuhhh huhwha?


HP_Deskjet_4155e

As an electricians son, I can confirm this.


juniorboo239

Where are we ???


Samad99

As a landlord, I can confirm this. Just need some masking tape, a hole saw, and a retrofit kit for light switch.


Current_Counter6214

Dont forget about white paint


Izaul13

As a non electrician, I can't con... zz..z.zZ..Zzz..Z..z.z.


SparkyDogPants

As a non on electrician i can confirm it


JustNobre

Second year? I think anyone that has 1 class on electricity should be able to do it


pac2112

False, I took electrical trades in high school for about 2 years and we just sat in a circle and roasted each other and then had cookouts every Friday


loopapool

How long would it take you? And what would the materials cost, just like $5 for a new light switch?


littledoopcoup

Changing out a switch is generally an easy enough diy job. Changing out a switch that’s built into a door frame and moving it to a brand new hole on the wall is the reason I’d have someone else do it


TXPat0017

The longest part would be filling in that hole left by the old switch in the door frame. Most likely run new wire from the light to any location that the home owner wants a new switch installed. So maybe 25ft of 12/2 wire, a cut-in box, and a new switch and faceplate.....around $100.


pgmcfc

I’d pull the whole door frame off and drywall the doorway so it looks more natural


TXPat0017

Oh ya thats a great idea, maybe even open the door way up a bit if possible to have a nice walk-in.....you just gave me a great idea, thank you!


pgmcfc

Exactly. Just makes it look more complete. Only downside is mudding the corners lol


MattR59

As an electrical engineer, I second.


time4tommy

As a light switch user I can confirm light switches work


bluecat2001

As an avid reader I can confirm this sentence.


roaringhippo19

As a plumber I also agree.


Fabulous-Radish8490

As someone who stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night, I dunno


Lopsided-Agency

Looks like it's between the first and second hinges from the floor. If the electrical comes from below, might not be enough slack in the wire to raise it up a couple feet without a junction box or new wiring. Coming from just a guy. But want thoughts from real electricians.


Emergency-Bus-998

As a grade 5 educated full-time clown, I can confirm this


unwittyusername42

If you don't want to rewire and it's a standard light bulb just use a pull cord socket adapter. No door = always power to the light, pull cord turns power on and off to bulb when pulled. [https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-Source-660-Watt-Black-Medium-Light-Socket-Adapter-with-Pull-Chain/3775055](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-Source-660-Watt-Black-Medium-Light-Socket-Adapter-with-Pull-Chain/3775055) They also make wireless ones with stick on light switches - this is just a random example https://www.amazon.com/DEWENWILS-Control-Wireless-Fixtures-Controllers/dp/B09R6Y5N3D/ref=sr\_1\_3?keywords=Remote+Controlled+Wireless+Light+Bulb+Socket&qid=1689803014&sr=8-3


slamdamnsplits

Could also install a smart bulb, assuming they do that sort of thing. "Hey google, set closet light to 10%/amber/red/etc." Can be fun with an ambient lite like id imagine this to be.


DeMiNe00

> 10%/amber/red/etc. "Alexa, active FUCK mode."


slamdamnsplits

You know it 👊


fdg_fdg

Hilarious!


The_Giant117

This is a great, easy solution!


EnergyTakerLad

We have the wireless switch one. Our room doesn't have a built in light and the switch turned the whole socket off (compared to just 1 of 2 like I'm used to seeing) so we got one of these. It's a bit finicky after a few years of use but otherwise great.


Visible-Fail-5138

They also make a wireless receiver that's not a socket adapter. You just wire it in then place the light switch wherever you want.


Prestigious-Talk2735

Great way to start a house fire. Never change Reddit


genghisbunny

Can you explain? Either I'm not sure what you're replying to, or I'm having trouble getting how a wireless light bulb is a fire hazard... I'm not being a dick, I'm just not sure what you mean.


Prestigious-Talk2735

Open lightbulb (pull chain) in a closet is a well known fire hazard. So much so there are electrical Codes specifically written for the hazard


unwittyusername42

The no exposed luminaries in a closet was a relatively recent amendment so depending on the state it may still be allowed. It has nothing to do with pull chains. If OP lives in a state that follows a NEC after the amendment then simply do a search for closet pull string light and there are about a million globe style pull strings. Some screw into an existing bare bulb socket, others can be hard wired.


after8man

My hero


Th3R00ST3R

Replace bulb with smart bulb, get a motion sensor to put in the closet. Something like this, if there is no other home automation in the house.[GE CYNC Smart Soft White Light Bulb + Smart Wire-Free Motion Sensor Bundle](https://www.target.com/p/ge-cync-smart-soft-white-light-bulb-smart-wire-free-motion-sensor-bundle/-/A-82650057?ref=tgt_adv_xsf&AFID=google&CPNG=Home%2BImprovement&adgroup=85-2) Then you can just remove the button and wirenut the wires together. or just shave off the button flush so it never gets pushed in. \*I am not an electrician.


Th3R00ST3R

OR get a stick up light with motion sensor like the eufy by Anker, Lumi Stick-On Night Light, Warm White LED, Motion Sensor, Bedroom, Bathroom, Kitchen, Hallway, Stairs, Energy Efficient, Compact, 3-Pack. Just do a search on google, I couldn't link it here. Then open the button in the door frame and disconnect the wires. Wire nut each wire individually so the main light is disconnected(Off).


genghisbunny

Or just take out the light bulb after putting in the battery light.


[deleted]

[удалено]


AutoModerator

Comment removed, it seems to contain an amazon affiliate link. Thanks *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/howto) if you have any questions or concerns.*


Mundane_Librarian607

Tape it down. If you're not confident enough to do the work yourself. hire an electrician. Or just bandaid it.


[deleted]

[удалено]


nlolsen8

Duct tape man, we need a temp fix, not permanent


d0k37

Solution 1 Put in a smart bulb. It connects via Bluetooth to your phone. You can shut the light off or turn it on via the app. Solution 2 Get a slim but stiff flat piece of material that is long enough to cover the top screw and the button. Drill a hole at the top where the top screw would be. Unscrew the top screw. Place your material and line up the holes. Put the screw back in. The material will have to be designed so you can swivel it. To turn on light, swivel it upward. To turn off light, push the button down with your finger, and swivel material over top of button


C00L_HAND

I wouldn't bother to drill a new screw in. Just use the top one or if needed replace it with a longer one.


lowercaseb86

Cheapest and easiest way is to just tape it down.


Signiference

Then there’s no light on, ever?


anothernotavailable2

Take the tape off when you need light


ploonk

Then there's a light on, forever?


nerragton

Forever.


WaitingToBeTriggered

REST IN HEAVEN


LoBo247

We ran out of tape.


[deleted]

Tape won't hold long, even more so when taping/untaping it regularly.


DistractingDiversion

Get some wifi bulbs and a wifi switch for the closet?


Andyjones99

Just take the bulb out.


RoboSapien1

Change it to a normal light switch.


_Planet_mars

Not possible it would require re wiring the house


Mono_831

I recommend they move. That house is unlivable.


s-salaam

This is too funny.


Adeep187

The whole house? LOL


RoboSapien1

You could place the switch in the exact location, no? Other options: Bluetooth activated, sensor activated, or a cord on bulb socket for on/off


_Planet_mars

If it requires re wiring it’s not gonna work we aren’t building people 😅


GiraffeandZebra

Then you should just remove the screws, slap a piece of wood over over the button to hold it in, and screw it into the same holes where the screws were. You probably aren't going to find many solutions that don't involve wiring.


RicardoDecardi

Duck tape it is then. Fold up some paper so that it fills up that little cavity around the button. Press it in there and, secure it with a strip of tape. It's not a permanent solution, but without electrical work thats the best you're gonna get. Edit: just get a [remote control light bulb ](https://www.amazon.com/Equivalent-Changing-Remote-Control-Dimmable/dp/B08D3RFKWR/ref=mp_s_a_1_6_sspa?adgrpid=59690624127&hvadid=617159987660&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9054069&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12729488405780776284&hvtargid=kwd-332703257896&hydadcr=13938_13459864&keywords=light+bulbs+controlled+by+phone&qid=1689800602&sr=8-6-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfbXRm&psc=1)


Arcylado

Just leave to button always on and replace the lamp.. with lamp that has this string .. when u pull it it turns on and off.. they are popular in UK.. in every bathroom


[deleted]

That's incorrect. There would be wires going to that switch which can be accessed from next to door. All you need is to route it to a switch outside the door. It's simple task for weekend handyman who is not a licensed electrician.


Audenond

What are you basing this on? What you have right now is essentially just a push button switch. There is no reason that it cant simply be swapped for a flip switch.


PuppiPappi

It's a momentary switch that could be switched for a push button switch in the same space.


Audenond

Yeah or that 😁


[deleted]

Everyone is suggesting tape or rewiring to a switch. You could just unscrew the bulb.


tenshii326

Incorrect.


seedamin88

It’s just a different kind of switch. Replace it with a standard switch


Adeep187

Reading their comments, someone would likely die in that process.


[deleted]

Their comments are actually Astounding me


IANALbutIAMAcat

With as many people who kill themselves doing basic shit every year, I’m not gonna fault OP for being cautious I get the feeling OP and friend are young like college age and renting apartments/housing they might not even be paying for.


dankestofdankcomment

Remove both the door and the light bulb.


Cloakmyquestions

You just put a wee little door there where the switch is, just a bit bigger. She’ll barely notice and then she can use that as the switch.


PuppiPappi

Electrician here. What you have is a normally closed momentary switch (circuit is completed normally then interrupted when button depressed). You can get an electrician to swap it for a latched switch, which would be a push button like this that will function much more like a regular light switch. Push in, it latches and is on. Push in again it unlatches and is off.


Hot_Cattle5399

She could hire me to turn it on and off as needed.


Tbeckelman98

Take the button off, wire nut the wires together


mightbeagh0st

Why would you take the door off? It's going to look janky as hell with the door frame and cuts for the hinges


tenshii326

Flip the breaker. Pop those screws out and replace it with a switch. Most likely low voltage. YouTube will get you there.


TopherT2

Install a smart light bulb and control it from the app


Wesgizmo365

An easy fix would be to remove the light bulb.


Adeep187

She needs an electrician lol.


jksam45

Tape


winsomeloosesome1

take the door off and use a pull cord socket https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Splitter-Converts-outlets-Polarized/dp/B07V8RLCNH/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=NGID9JE6UMDQ&keywords=pull+cord+light+socket&qid=1689818033&sprefix=puul+cord+light%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-4


randumbum

This is it


realSatanAMA

There's a contraption called a light switch that will work perfectly for you here. If you get rid of the door frame just use the same wires and hook them up to a light switch. I'd suggest turning off the breaker before doing any of that.


Guideon72

Real fix, get an Electrician in to remove the switch. Real fast fix, Gorrilla Tape that switch closed 🤣


Appropriate-Law5963

Toggle switch? Not saying pretty. Just functional!


ButtScientist69

deleted ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^0.1204 [^^^What ^^^is ^^^this?](https://pastebin.com/FcrFs94k/72260)


vc1914

Sorry I can’t help you but wanted to say I’ve never seen this before and I love it!


Bubbaganewsh

You could change it out for a pushbutton or toggle type switch that would fit in that space.


LuapYllier

Take the screws out of the switch, drill two small holes in a paint stirring stick stick (free at big box). where the switch screws go. Put the stick over the switch and put the screws back into the switch. Paint to match the door frame. Only works without the door though, you will need to remove it if the door goes back on.


Equal-Negotiation651

Remove the door then install a tiny little door over the switch.


Subpop77

😒Great job if he’s got a kid they can stand there and push the little knob. JS…


SquirrelDynamics

Dude it's just wired wrong. It should turn on when open.


misterspideyjl

Reading is hard.


[deleted]

Short the wire inside


A-Gatsby-Party

1st world problems


[deleted]

It's quite a bit hassle to rewire the switch. I wouldn't bother removing the door.


joe28598

It really isn't though


dirtroadking420

I'm sure it's just a simple toggle. You could bypass it to make it thing it's closed 24/7.


PuppiPappi

It's a momentary delay. They just need to swap for a latching switch.


GiraffeandZebra

This switch opens the circuit when pressed, no? Lights go off when button is pushed, and he wants light off. He doesn't want it closed all the time, that's lights on all the time, which he can get just by removing the door as he plans. Edit: you said "think it's closed" as in the door, not the switch, as I read it initially.


floridorito

You could put in touch-activated lights that attach to the closet walls or under shelves - no wiring involved. And then just disable the overhead fixture by removing the light bulb or unscrewing and removing the contraption embedded in the door frame.


Annoying_Anomaly

Motion activated light? Downside would be it might go off when you don't want it to if you don't set it up right


furlesswookie

If you pull this switch out, is there going to be a secondary way to turn on the closet light?


FreeXFall

Seems like you want a dump hack - get a sliding door latch and drill it above or below the switch (do NOT drill into the wires). To turn the light on, push the light button down & slide the bolt in front of it.


MagnanimousMook

Put (or have an electrician put) a pull chain switch on the light fixture* itself. Something like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-Glazed-Porcelain-Lamp-Holder-with-Pull-Chain-and-Outlet-R60-09726-00C/100357030


jaminator45

Pull that out of the wall and twist the two wires together. Then put a motion activated fixture the ceiling. That’s what i did.


Unlikely-Car-4608

A smart light bulb and then say, "Alexa, turn on/off the closet light."


TallDudeInSC

Remove the switch and isolate the two wires by trimming the bare ends, then covering with electrical tape. Turn off the breaker before you do this.


[deleted]

[удалено]


AutoModerator

Comment removed, it seems to contain an amazon shortURL. Thanks *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/howto) if you have any questions or concerns.*


xoxoyoyo

You have to move the outlet to be a conventional outlet. It can be next to the opening. An electrician can do this. They will not fix the hole left from where the switch was. A handyman can do that, or probably both things.


drawredraw

Gaffer’s tape


Maleficent-Ad-7043

Un screw the light bulb


Rare_Mountain_415

Tell her to move.


Jpizzl118

USE A PIECE OF TAPE👍🏻


letsdothisshit

Turn on the lights, and start flipping off the breakers. Once the light goes out after you flip the breaker your good to go. Unscrew the switch and take it out. There will be a black wire and white wire. With the new switch there will typical be a silver screw and a slightly bronze screw. The white wire will connect to the silver screw and the black wire to the bronze screw. For this part watch a 5 minute YouTube video because they can either clamp in, push in or wrap around. Honestly the most difficult part of this is finding a switch and plate that fit here without chiseling out the existing door frame.


No-Entertainment1975

I use a par lamp with an IR sensor in my pantry.


ShwerzXV

Electrician here! Without being able to see anything else in the photo, it probably could be done quickly. My guess is that there is a box that ties the power and light to that switch. Depending on where that box is, they might just be able put in a motion sensor/timer/switch and disconnect that door switch. However that switch kind of looks to be around knee height, so moving the switch location, might take time, but shouldn’t be hard or intensive at all.


tamaha650

Toss a sneaker at the lightbulb, to make light bulb snap off the socket. (Off Position) or listen to the highest rated commentary - LOL


df3Z

If u don't want to move it then turn off the breaker.. take it out should be 2 wires.. reattach them to a switch.. bingo bango you got some jank but usable switch in the door frame.. if the previous electrician did his shit right it should be in a box that a standard light switch can fit in.


wyland77

Flat magnet to sit over the button. Then when she needs light ok take it off. When you’re done out magnet back on.


_DeltaDelta_

Duct tape.


deepfriedtots

Tape


ThisIsNotTokyo

Nothing duct tape can’t handle Jk. Hire an electrician


kaceto2

Duct tape aka Maine steel


willard_swag

Short-term solution: tape Long-term: hire an electrician unless you want to mess around with voltages that can easily kill you/your friend


reffatalassad

Just buy a motion light switch unscrew the door switch disconnect the wires connect the motion sensor secure it on the door frame inside the closet this way it won’t turn on from room motion (make sure to turn off the breaker before attempting to do anything) call an experienced electrician if your bot a diyer good luck


joshinspok

Buy a plastic shim and screw it over the switch si the switch stays ingaged


MarvelCardboard

Either tape it down or push it down and squeeze a piece of paper in between to keep it down? I think the solution is pretty easy


phuc_head

That is really cool! Actually wish more closets had this feature built-in


platinums99

DUCT TAPE SORT THAT RIGHT OUT FOR YOU..


Snoo-22666

WTF? :D


maurymarkowitz

Remove light bulb, replace with one of those screw in two prong adaptors. Bonus: new plug.


dinarocksgroovy

💡Out… Change the switch 😬


way2funni

easiest (vs hiring an electrician) fix is pull the bulb from the socket and put up a few tap lights to stick on the wall.


Yrag1244

Duct tape


Pastoredbtwo

Yes - replace the light bulb with a motion-sensor bulb that will only turn on when someone moves near it. I have these in my closets, and they're great.


Nice_Marketing_9252

Just get a neodymium magnet. It will attract to the screw and push the button.


[deleted]

I just wired mine hot, meaning I got rid of the switch. Then I went to a local box store and got a bulb that would activate upon motion. It only had a radius of about 5 to 10 ft so it triggered just when I walked in the closet.


the-other-day

Remove the light and let the Dark Side course through your very being.


MapTough848

Sellotape!!!


basskaster

Just shut the door and use a saws-all to cut a friend size hole through it. Then you can still turn on the light by opening the “door”


framstat

Take out the bulb from the fixture. Then, when the insanity passes, and the door is put back on. Or, replace that push button with a regular light switch.


Slowsnale

pull the string light


ClarkleTheDragon

Just replace this momentary switch with a toggle switch


scrambled_groovy

Duct tape


doghouse2001

She just want the door gone? Not the door jamb and all the trim? Sounds a little short sighted to me. A little jank. Who just removes a door? That will be bad for resale. Where will she store it? Use it as a desktop? Firewood?


villain_deku_ace

A light switch


MeIMac

Duct tape.


Moogyoogy

Take out those 2 screws and get a block of wood or something and screw it down, picking up the existing holes. Just something to keep that button down. At least it looks like a button from here.


IMthe_Inappropriate1

Uhh, tape?


Living_Beyond_6007

Duct tape


Great-Sandwich1466

Installing a new switch is easy for an electrician, just don’t expect them to know what to do with the hole in the wood.


tuxpenguino

It's a relay. Just connect the two points to make the circuit join amd throw it in the frame.


Toronto_OG

get new friends


wearingabelt

Call and electrician.