By extending the wire and making a hole for the new outlet, you can move an electrical outlet easily. Electrical outlets on the wall are normally 18 inches above the floor. You can come across a situation where it’s better to position the outlet higher or lower.
To do this project, you will need a screwdriver, pencil, outlet box, wire, wire cutters, and wire nuts. Moving the outlet up the wall will require some effort, but no complex wiring is required.
How to Move an Electrical Outlet
You may need to move an electrical outlet for a variety of reasons. Installing a television on the wall is one of the most usual circumstances. This frequently requires relocating the plug outlet to a higher position, where it will be hidden by the TV. Step by step instruction is given below to move an electrical outlet.
Step 1 | Mark the Spot and Cut Hole
In contrast to ordinary boxes that are attached to the wall studs, a cut-in box includes clamps that rotate 90° to project its tabs behind the drywall as soon as the tightening screws are twisted, and the clamping tabs are then tightened down until the box is snug against the wall.
A flange is included with a cut-in box to prevent it from falling into the wall. Keeping this in mind, the cut-in box should be kept an inch or more away from any studs or other obstructions that may interfere. The TV should hide the cut-in box. Draw the box’s outline on the wall and use a keyhole saw to cut out the opening.
Step 2 | Drill Holes
Connect a drill to a 1-inch spade bit and potentially a spade bit extension. Drill a hole through the blockage with the spade bit against the obstruction within the wall and at least 2-inches away from any studs to avoid nails. If the new outlet is in a different stud bay, another form of restriction may arise.
If the new outlet is in a different stud bay, another form of barrier may arise. Similar as before, but this time drill the 1-inch hole through the stud. If it’s too many stud bays away, it’s preferable to pull a new cable through from the ceiling or the floor, depending on which is simpler but using the same general techniques.
Step 3 | Connect Wires
If the cable is coming from above, you should notice it running down the wall as soon as you cut the hole for the cut-in box. Simply cut the wire long enough and pull it in; if you want to keep the old outlet alive, simply make the connections within the cut-in electrical box.
If the cable is coming from below, you’ll need to take the receptacle out of the box and stretch the wires out. Remove the box from the wall by unscrewing it from the stud. Install a cable connector after removing a cutout from the box.
Step 4 | Place and Set the Wires
As a fishing tool, use a wire passed through the cable connection and push it through until it reaches the new aperture. Cut a length of the same gauge cable long enough to stretch between the two apertures with two feet to spare.
Bring the fishing wire and cable ends together to make a straight line and tape them firmly before gently and slowly drawing everything up from the top where you will take a foot of it out.
Step 5 | Connect Cables
If you’re starting from step 5.4 “from the next bay,” push the fishing wire up until it’s high enough, then use the second wire with a hook made at the end to grab the first fish wire through the hole in the stud. Return to the outlet near the floor and cut off 6-inches of the cable’s jacket, as well as around 1-inch of insulation from each wire.
Adjust the length of the wires and fasten them with the cable connection. Replace the box in its opening and secure it with a screw. Connect the ground wires to each other and to the box, the white wire to the free silver terminal of the outlet, and the black wire to the free brass terminal of the outlet.
Step 6 | Re-install the Electrical Outlet
You may now reinstall the outlet with its plate cover as it was originally. Return to the cut-in box opening and remove 6-inches of the cable jacket and 1-inch of insulation from each wire. Insert the wire up to the jacket of the box and fasten the cable connector.
At this stage, all of the low voltage wires should be fished through and connected to their corresponding wall plates. Insert the cut-in box into the wall opening and screw in each of the clamping tabs one at a time until it is snug against the drywall. Install the wallplates in their designated positions and set them in place, then cover them up and you’re done!
Choosing the Right Box
Cut-in boxes are the sort of electric boxes that are typically used when dealing with a completed wall, thus a cut-in box with recessed outlets will allow you to plug in all of your wires and cables within the wall surface and keep them from getting in the way. Some of those boxes are also built to take various wall plates with RJ-45, CAT-6, and HDMI connectors.
Safety Precaution
To keep yourself safe from any electrical hazards, make sure to switch off the power at the circuit breaker before you begin. You’ll need to locate the correct breaker inside the electrical panel that supplies this specific outlet by placing the probes of a multimeter into the slots and checking for voltage.
If you don’t have a meter, plugin, and switch on a bulb in the outlet you’re changing. Flip the switches one by one until you find the correct breaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a duplex outlet?
A duplex outlet has two electrical receptacles, allowing you to plug in two devices. A duplex outlet is one of the most frequent types of outlets found in homes and workplaces, and its design keeps you safe from electrical shock.
Conclusion
If you don’t know what you’re doing, moving an electrical outlet can be dangerous. It may even be illegal in some areas if you are not a certified electrician. But if you are cautious about the risks, you can follow the steps above with safety precautions.
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