Move an outlet?

Question

I am about to tile my kitchen backsplash. The light switches and outlets arent all at the same height and I want to move a few of them up or down just one or two inches. How do I move them?

Answer 1

The boxes you want to use are called cut-in or handy boxes that are use for existing installations. The box itself is very easy to install, but the wiring may not permit you to move the box to where you want it depending on how much length was left behind the wall.

First, you cut a hole for the box. Then, you pull the electrical wiring out the hole you just made. Pull the wiring into the cut-in box. Place the box into the hole you cut and tighten down the screws and it will secure itself into the wall by grabbing onto the drywall. You won't need to worry about strapping in your case because it is not required if you're doing an existing installation.

The problem you will run into, is that there may not be enough wire in the wall to move the box. The boxes that are already in the wall should have the existing wiring strapped to the stud within 12 inches of the box. So, that doesn't leave a lot of room to move your box around.

You also have to remember that you can't just extend the wires and bury the splice in the wall. To keep keep it to code you would need to keep the splice accessible. In other words, the splice would need to be in a junction box that would need to be showing after the installation is complete.

My advice is, don't attempt this unless you feel confident that you can finish it. I'd hate to see you start this and not be able to finish. So good luck.

Answer 2

Do it the long way.
1- cut out the old sheet-rock 15 Inches high and the length of your wall.
2- your boxes are probably nailed to the studs. Turn off the power and relocate the boxes to where you want, remove the switches and receptacles and put back sheet-rock (the green stuff used in bathrooms).
3- do your tile work and remember that when you relocate those boxes, they should be further out from the sheet-rock the thickness of the tiles so when you tile, they will be flush with the new surface.
Good Luck ! ! [Take your time and do a good job] !

Answer 3

I did the same thing in my kitchen. Here's how,
1) turn off all of the circuits
2) remove the receptacles
3) remove the section of drywall above the counter
4) snap a chalk line for the bottom of the boxes( at least 1" above counter)
5) remove boxes(without unwiring them) and adjust height
6) refasten boxes to correct height
7) install new drywall and spackle
It is a little longer and time consuming, you will appreciate your devices being exactly the same height from the counter.

Answer 4

turn the power off, take the switches and outlets off, cut a new hole where you want it, get new electrical boxes and use as a template to cut the holes, you might need to remove the old boxes if they are in the way. the new boxes you want are the type that will clip on to the studs since you cant put nails into them unless you open the whole wall.then just put everything back together , Spackle the old holes up and you are done.

Answer 5

turn power off take out old box and install plastic box that have wings to mount to wall and you can also turn sideways its just an outlet but remember to turn off the right circut breaker and check it

Answer 6

well now is the time to do it. how to depends on how much wire ya got to mess with.easiest way is probably move the one with switches and remove the rest and wire them new.

Answer 7

Check out this guide for tips...