I want to add recessed lighting to a living room that currently has no over head lighting.
There is a switch that controls one of the recepticles in this room. I want to use this switch to control the new recessed lights.
How do I do this while at the same time, taking the switch control away from the outlet and supplying that with a hot wire full time.

I assume you realize you'll need to run a new wire from the ceiling fixtures down to the switch box. That is the hardest part.
The basic procedure is:
Connect black wire from outlet to supply black (hot) wire
Connect jumper from switch to these black wires
Connect new black wire from overhead lights to other side of switch
Connect all white wires together

If only one of the outlets is switched and the other is hot all the time, you can just disconnect the black wire between the switch and the outlet and tape it in the switch box. Then, add a jumper between the two screws on the side of the outlet that the black wires (one switched, one always hot) go to. You can remove the switched black wire from the outlet and tape it.

I've attached a little diagram that might help explain the steps a little clearer.

Best of luck, and be careful.
WallyH

Hey sailor,

Since you are adding a circuit, you might consider getting an electrical permit and post completion inspection. Insurance companies love customer's who do there own work and don't get it inspected.

First you have to decide how many lamps your are going to install, what is the voltage and amperage of these lights. There is a NEC formula for that.

Also, check the rating on the lamps for voltage and wattage. 120vac * 15 Amps gives you a wattage of 1,800. 20 Wattage for a 20 amp line is
120*20= 2,400 Watts. Make sure you use the correct conductors for cable runs.

Next, look carefully at the wiring you have now. Is it 15 amp service (AWG 14 wire) and you want to keep it that way then can either 14 or 12 AWG conductors. However, if any prt of your circuit get's uplifted to 20 amp, then all of the wiring on that particular must be replaced by #12 AWG. 14 Gauge wire will burn if left on a 20 amp line.