Installing ceiling fan remote control, want to patch over the original power switch in the on position? (color, kitchen)

[HarveytheRabbit]

I bought a patch kit and took off the old yellow power switch to the fan. I wanted to seal it off and just use the remote control to turn the fan off and on but know I'm remembering that I need to leave the power on at the wall for the remote to even work.

The question is, can I just install a standard switch, put it inside the wall turned on and then put the patch kit over it? Or is it possible to just connect the wires so that power is constantly running to the fan?

(There are three white wires right now sticking out)

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by HarveytheRabbit

I bought a patch kit and took off the old yellow power switch to the fan. I wanted to seal it off and just use the remote control to turn the fan off and on but know I'm remembering that I need to leave the power on at the wall for the remote to even work.

The question is, can I just install a standard switch, put it inside the wall turned on and then put the patch kit over it? Or is it possible to just connect the wires so that power is constantly running to the fan?

(There are three white wires right now sticking out)

A junction box must be accessible to be code compliant. You can cover the box in the wall with a blank faceplate, but you can not seal it if you want it to be legal (even if you remove the switch and just twist the wires together) and you probably want to be able to get in there without demoing the wall if you need to fix/change something.

Don't do it, bro.

[HarveytheRabbit]

Originally Posted by jimboburnsy

A junction box must be accessible to be code compliant. You can cover the box in the wall with a blank faceplate, but you can not seal it if you want it to be legal and you probably want to be able to get in there without demoing the wall if you need to fix/change something.

Don't do it, bro.

I think I could put one of those plastic plates on, but do I just connect certain wires or put an actual light switch behind there turned on to power the fan?

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by HarveytheRabbit

I think I could put one of those plastic plates on, but do I just connect certain wires or put an actual light switch behind there turned on to power the fan?

Out of curiosity, why do you want to get rid of the switch?

How many wires are in there?

How old is this house?

[Donn2390]

If you just want it wired on, you don't need the switch, but as stated the box must have access. It's against code to cover a junction box.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by HarveytheRabbit

I think I could put one of those plastic plates on, but do I just connect certain wires or put an actual light switch behind there turned on to power the fan?

I find it utterly amazing that people come to this forum to seek sound advice about a problem or concern- and find some way to dismiss the obviously sound advise given.
When someone says it's this way or that because it's code- It's Code For a Reason!
It not just for your safety- it's for every-one's safety! Your family, friends, neighbors, and those that will follow behind you when you leave that house.
I'll state unequivocally that interpretation of the code can be entirely different from it's intended use. With that said, yes there is a product that you can use to "splice" wires together that doesn't require a traditional "junction box". As defined by the NEC (National Electric Code) this product does meet the requirements. However, in the same breath I'll say that they are prone to failure (as in lose of current- not failure, as in fire hazard). And for the sake of every-one's safety I will refrain from naming this particular item publicly.
I still say that an accessible "j-box" is the preferred method.

Harvey-
Blk to Blk
Wht to Wht
grd to grd (that's the bare wire) no switch(s). Just wire nuts and a blank cover plate. Leave simple... well, simple.

[HarveytheRabbit]

OK after a lot of checking things out this is where I'm at,

I have three cables, each housing a black wire a white wire and a ground inside. One of these cables goes to the lights in the kitchen, one goes up to the fan box and the other, I'm assuming, brings the power. The person before me connected the three ground wires together, the three black wires are also together but only two of the white wires are, the other one, that goes to the fan, is hanging loose.

So it looks like I have two choices, tie all three white wires together and basically have a constant source of power to the new fan I'm installing (which I can then turn on and off with the included remote) and then just put a blank panel over the whole mess. But I'm wondering is there an issue with leaving constant power running to a fan/light with only a remote controlling it?

Or should I just install a single switch that will control power to the fan? What wires do I connect?
Would I put the white one into the bottom screw as the constant, undo one black for the top screw-in and also undo one of the three connected grounds?

A lot of things I know but I'm always concerned when dealing with electricity.

[chet everett]

No offense, but you don't sound very confident / skilled when it comes to electrical wiring.

If your goal is to have the switch "always on" just get one of these; UNIVERSAL WALL SWITCH LOCKOUT - Accuform Signs

You could spray paint it white or whatever color will make it least objectionable....

[ShaneSA]

Considering your self admitted lack of experience and knowledge of electricity, get an electrician to do what you want in a safe and neat manner. It could save you a fire and injury or death.

[M3 Mitch]

I'm still amazed you want to get rid of the switch - just leave the switch turned on and use the remote, if the remote fails some time (or should I say when) you can still control the fan with the switch...

Dittos to the comments already made about how this can be done to code, and why it's important to do it to code, and why if you don't know what you are doing, you will be better off calling a pro...