Can an electrical outlet be moved?

Moving an electrical outlet is possible for most homeowners, but requires working safely with electricity. When moving an outlet, it’s important to follow electrical codes and use safe practices to avoid shock or fire hazards. With proper materials, tools, and safety steps, moving an outlet can be a manageable DIY project.

Is it Allowed to Move an Electrical Outlet?

Yes, it is generally allowed to move most standard electrical outlets in your home. As long as the new outlet location will meet electrical code requirements, it is legal in most areas for a homeowner to move an outlet themselves. However, there are some limitations:

– Kitchen counter electrical outlets, bathrooms outlets near sinks, outdoor outlets, and some specialty outlets often have more strict codes. You may need an electrician for these.

– Moving an outlet likely requires turning off power at the circuit breaker. Only do so if you understand your home’s electrical system.

– Local permit or inspection requirements may apply for major electrical work. Research your local codes.

– Only move outlets you installed. Never alter original builder-installed wiring without a permit.

As long as you check regulations and follow safety procedures, moving a standard indoor grounded outlet is normally allowed. Ensure your new outlet placement meets spacing and mounting height codes too.

Why Would You Move an Electrical Outlet?

There are several common reasons homeowners may want to relocate an electrical outlet:

– To add an outlet in a new, more convenient location. Adding outlets by existing wiring is often easier than running all new wiring.

– To align outlets more logically after remodeling or rearranging a room. Outlets may need to shift with new furniture layouts.

– To bring outlets up to modern codes and standards. Old 2-prong ungrounded outlets may need upgraded to 3-prong grounded ones.

– For aesthetics, like hiding visible cords. Moving outlets out of sight can improve a room’s look.

– For major appliances or equipment in new permanent spots needing an outlet.

– Correcting faulty wiring that was done incorrectly to begin with. Improper or unsafe outlets may need moved.

– To meet safety codes. Outlets near water sources or other hazards may need relocated further away.

Whatever the reason, moving an outlet takes planning and care. Make safety the top priority.

Supplies Needed to Move an Electrical Outlet

Before getting started, assemble the right tools and materials to move an outlet safely and correctly:

– Circuit tester – To identify which circuit breaker controls the outlet

– Voltage tester – Double check power is off before working

– Screwdrivers – Both Phillips and flathead

– Wire strippers – To strip sheathing off new cable

– Needlenose pliers – For manipulating wires in boxes

– Cable ripper – Tool to safely slit sheathing

– Drywall saw – For cutting drywall access holes

– Outlet boxes – New or old box as needed

– Electrical cable – New NM (nonmetallic) cable for runs

– Wire nuts – To connect wires

– Electrical tape – For covering splices

– Drywall patching supplies – Joint compound, tape, tools

– Faceplate – New cover plate for relocated outlet

– GFCI outlet (if needed) – For outlets near water

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving an Electrical Outlet

Once you have the right supplies, follow these key steps:

1. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker and verify it’s off.

2. Remove the existing outlet’s cover plate and carefully disconnect wires.

3. Cut new access holes between old and new box locations. Add new electrical boxes if needed.

4. Fish the new NM cable between outlet locations. Leave plenty of extra length.

5. Carefully connect the wires using wire nuts and secure the outlet in the new box.

6. Patch drywall at old and new box locations. Wait for compound to dry before continuing.

7. Mount the new outlet cover plate and turn the circuit breaker back on.

8. Test that the new outlet works correctly with a device like a phone charger.

Always take your time and be extremely cautious when dealing with electrical systems. Make safety the top concern. Consulting an electrician is wise if you have any doubts about your abilities.

Step 1: Turn Off Power and Verify It’s Off

Before touching any wires, the very first step is making sure the power is OFF. Flip the circuit breaker controlling the outlet to “off”.

Use a non-contact voltage tester to double check that the power is off at the outlet location before proceeding. Test both the hot slot and neutral slot just to be safe. Verify both read 0 volts.

If you don’t know which breaker controls the outlet, turn off all of them or use a circuit tester to identify it. Work cautiously assuming wires are still live until you confirm power is shut off. Electrocution is a real risk while working on outlets.

Step 2: Remove the Existing Outlet

With the breaker off and power confirmed dead, start by unscrewing the outlet’s cover plate and setting it aside. Most are held on by one central screw. Pull the receptacle out from the electrical box, but leave wires connected for now.

Examine how the current outlet is wired. There will likely be two hot wires, a neutral wire, and a ground wire. The ground may be attached to the box itself.

Carefully disconnect each wire one at a time using needle nose pliers. Keep all screws and hardware if reusing the existing box. A voltage tester should read 0 volts on all wires during this step.

Step 3: Cut New Drywall Access Holes

Determine the new outlet location and cut rectangular openings in the drywall wherever a new electrical box will go. For outlets moving horizontally along a wall, you may only need one new hole on the other side of the stud bay.

Use a drywall saw for clean cuts. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask. Measure twice and cut once. Remove the cutout drywall and set it aside to patch later. Vacuum dust before continuing.

You may also need to cut a long vertical slit through the top of drywall between holes so cable can pass through studs easily. Take your time to cut openings neatly. Ragged edges are harder to patch cleanly.

Step 4: Fish New Electrical Cable

For outlet relocations over 4-5 feet, running all new NM (nonmetallic) 14/2 or 12/2 cable is usually easiest. This insulated electrical cable has a ground wire, hot wire, neutral wire, and outer plastic sheathing.

Start by feeding cable through the top drywall slit first. Use fish tape if needed to pull it through voids in stud bays or ceiling. Pull the full length of cable you’ll need between boxes through the slit.

Have a helper feed the cable into the new outlet box as you pull from the other side. Leave plenty of extra cable at both ends – at least 6 inches in each box. This makes wire connections easier.

Step 5: Connect the New Electrical Wiring

With the new NM cable positioned, carefully detach the outer plastic sheathing and strip about 1/2″ of insulation off the inner wires using wire strippers.

Attach the ground wire to the green screw or clip in the outlet box. Connect the white neutral wire to the silver screw, and the black hot wire to the brass gold screw. Secure wires tightly with screw terminals or push-in holes on back-wire outlets.

Cap all unused wire ends with wire nuts to protect them. Ensure no copper is exposed. Follow the same wiring process at the old outlet box location, capping any unneeded wires there too.

Step 6: Patch Drywall and Let Dry

Once wires are securely connected in both boxes, mount the boxes back into their openings flush with drywall. Nail them in place if needed. Apply fiberglass mesh drywall tape over any seams or gaps around boxes.

Mix drywall joint compound and neatly apply it over the tape and screw holes. Feather out smoothed edges about 6 inches wide. Let compound fully dry overnight before sanding smooth.

Applying a second coat of compound will create the smoothest finish. After final sanding, vacuum dust and wipe sanded areas clean before painting. Paint when fully dry for best results.

Step 7: Install New Cover Plate and Restore Power

The outlet is now ready for a new cover plate matching the room’s style. Install it cleanly using one central screw. For outlets near water sources, use a special weatherproof GFCI outlet and cover.

With everything assembled correctly, turn the circuit breaker back on at the panel. Take your time and check for any mistakes or loose connections before restoring power. Listen for buzzing or humming noises that may indicate issues.

Step 8: Test New Outlet and Make Final Checks

The final step is verifying normal operation of the relocated outlet. Plug in a small device like a phone charger and confirm it receives consistent power as expected. Test that plugs are held snugly in place.

Examine the outlet for any signs of sparks, overheating, flickering lights, etc. Minor arcing when connecting appliances is normal. But repeated sparking likely means improper wiring needing correction before permanent use.

Tips for Moving Electrical Outlets Safely

– Always turn power OFF at the breaker before starting any electrical project. Verify it’s off with a voltage tester.

– Take photos before disconnecting any wires so you can replicate the wiring correctly.

– Only move one outlet per circuit at a time. Too many changes may overload the wiring.

– When cutting drywall, check for plumbing lines or other hazards behind the wall first.

– Wear safety goggles and dust mask when cutting drywall to protect your eyes and lungs.

– Make neat openings and take your time patching for the cleanest finished appearance.

– Don’t pinch or pierce electrical cable sheathing while pulling it through walls. This can cut insulation and cause shorts.

– Leave wire ends twisted together for stability, or cap them separately with wire nuts to prevent contact.

– Ensure wires are fully seated in the terminals and secure. Loose connections can arc and overheat.

– Always do a final check that wiring is correct and boxes are grounded before restoring power.

Conclusion

Moving electrical outlets is a doable DIY project for many homeowners if proper safety precautions are taken. Always turn power off and verify it’s dead before working. Follow local electrical codes and permit requirements. Have an electrician do the work if you lack experience with electrical systems. With the right materials, careful planning, and safe wiring methods, relocating an outlet can upgrade your home’s function and appearance. Just take your time and prioritize safety above all else.