Is it this simple to move a 220 outlet?

Question

I currently have a 220 outlet in my living room, which was used for a window AC unit, that I need to use in another room for a dryer. Is it possible to (obviously cut the power to the outlet first) pull the outlet/wiring up through my attic, move the outlet to my laundry room (for my dryer), cut a new hole in the wall, then use the outlet. I understand that I'd have to cut the power (so as not to electricute myself) and that I'd have to be careful not to dislodge the wiring from the outlet (plug) itself, but would this really work this easily?

Thanks!

Electrocute, not electricute...you'd think my document background would have made me catch that error. =)

Answer 1

There are already so many answers that I was going to pass on this one. Then I read the answers, WOW! Several of them ignore some critical points. Some of them are quite dangerous to do.

If the a/c outlet was put in properly, the cable was stapled in, at several points. It cannot be simply pulled out of the wall cavity.

Even if you could pull it out, it is probably a 20 amp rated cable. You will need an absolute minimium of a 30 amp rated cable, perhaps more for the dryer.

Obviously, the cable you are removing will not be safe for the dryer. Bottom line, even if you could physically relocate the wiring, it would be totally unsafe to use.

One reply said to "rewire the breaker." I'm not sure what he meant because there are so many ways to intrepret that. Since the current breaker is way too low of a capacity, the only thing you can do is to replace it with the proper one for the new wiring. It is very dangerous to increase the breaker capacity without replacing the wire with larger capacity wire.

Another thought...how were you going to pull the outlet through the base plate, or top plate, in the wall to get it out? You stated that you were going to do it without removing the wires, so that is what it would take. Totally impossible to do that.

You need a pro because there are several points in your question that tell me that you are not at the DIY level to even put in the new line from scratch. Sorry to be so blunt, but what you are dealing with here can cause death and destruction if done wrong.

Answer 2

You have the steps basically correct, except that you will have to buy a new outlet to fit the dryer service cord. You will also have to pay attention to the wiring used. If it is not heavy enough or if the current one is three wire and the dry is four, then you will have to change that too. Then there is the problem of getting the wire down inside the wall to the opening for the dryer outlet. While it seems simple, it seldom is. A hole will have to be located and drilled through the wall top plate. The easiest way to locate the hole is to drill it from the outlet opening using a specialized bit and 4' extension (about $100 for a one time use). Then up to the attic (unless you can convince someone to assist) attach the wire to the drill bit, back down to the outlet hole to pull on the bit and extension to get the wire through the top plate. Then several more trips to get the length you need through the hole and wall to the outlet. Then proceed. This process alone can take someone without experience 6 - 8 hours.

I think it would be better if you had an electrician do it for you, if for no other reason than to save you time and in the long run money.

Answer 3

Pulling the wire out would not be a problem, but running it back down the wall to a laundry room may not be so simple. I would cut a hole where I want the outlet then use an electricians fish tape to go from the hole to the attic. You can then attach the wire to the fish and pull it down and out the hole. This will work if there are no obstructions such as 2"x4" cross pieces. Remember that 220 is really dangerous and you must be sure that there is no power in that line. You may want to invest or borrow a multimeter.

Answer 4

Do you have the dryer yet?
Have you seen the cord for the dryer?
Generally a dryer uses a large 30 amp plug and the more normal looking 15 or 20 amp plug would not even be close to fitting the large dryer plug.
But if the cords are the same size you do have the basics of moving the outlet. You will also have to make sure that you have enough wire to reach and will most likely have to remove the wires from the outlet, then pull the wires(the hole drilled at the top of the wall is usually only an inch around) then reattach.

Answer 5

My first thought, why mess with the existing 220 wire, in most cases it will be a lot quicker to install a new run. And time is money.
That is what I did, and if for some unforseen reason I need it, think of all the time I have saved.

Answer 6

Everybody has given their take on this, but to check things out real quick do this.
Go to your breaker panel and locate the breaker for the old AC. If it's marked 30amps, then your plan is plausable, but difficult, for the reasons stated.
If it's marked 20amps, then you really have to start from scratch. New 30amp breaker, 10/3wGnd Cable, and 30amp dryer outlet.
All things considered this may be the easier route.
Good luck.

Answer 7

If u are a good DTY person it can be done.
But more than likely the wire behind the wall is stapled and could be hard to remove and u dont want to score the covering off as it will cause problem.
Disconnect the wire at the breaker and run a new wire to where u need it and then rewire the breaker.

Answer 8

Have an electrical expert do it. When messing with electricity, it's always best to do it safe.

What you ask is not as simple as it sounds. Just have someone who knows 100% what they're doing do the job.

Answer 9

may not be right outlet & wire size & breaker for dryer instead of ac. do the homework.heavy copper wire is hard work to screw into new outlet

Answer 10

I suggest you call in a professional .This involves many variables.Unless you have 9 lives and great fire insurance