How to Relocate Electrical Outlets

Do-it-yourself remodeling has pros and cons. While you have complete freedom to make your living space exactly how you see fit, you can sometimes run into obstacles that can halt your progress. One such common snag is when you have an outlet in a place where you don't want it to be or you need one in a place where there currently isn't one. Relocate electrical outlets so you can complete your renovation.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdrivers
• Voltage tester
• Wire strippers
• Romex stripper
• NM fish tape
• 12-2 NM cable
• Old work outlet box
• Drywall saw
• Wire connectors
• New outlet and cover plate
• Blank cover plate

Instructions

1. Turn the power off to the outlet you are relocating. Use the voltage tester to ensure the circuit is off.

2. Remove the cover plate, and disconnect the existing outlet from the wires.

3. Outline the old work outlet box against the wall where you are planning to install it. Use the drywall saw to cut away the outline. Dry-fit your old work box to ensure you don't need to cut any more away.

4. Use the NM fish to pull the 12-2 NM cable from the existing box to the new location. This may require cutting additional access points in the drywall if the location is farther away.

5. Insert the NM cable into the old work box, and install the box into the wall. Tighten the corner screws to secure the box in place.

6. Use the Romex stripper to remove the outer sheath from the cable coming out of the outlet box. Strip away about 3/4 inch of insulation from the end of each insulated wire. Bend each exposed end into a hook shape.

7. Take the new outlet, and connect the ground wire to the green ground screw, the black wire to the bronze screw and the white wire to the silver screw. Tighten the remaining bronze and silver screws. Wrap the terminals with electrical tape, and secure the outlet to the wall box. Install the cover plate.

8. Take the new cable at the original wall box and strip the sheath and the wires as you did earlier. Connect the black wires together, the white wires together and the ground wires together. Make sure each wire connector is secured tightly, wrap each one with electrical tape and stuff the wires back into the wall box. Install the blank cover plate.

9. Turn the power back on to the circuit, and test the new outlet to make sure it is wired properly.

Tips & Warnings

• When you relocate an outlet, never cover up the location of the original box if it is being used as a junction box. You must have access to those connections if there is ever a problem with the circuit.