Kitchen Tile and Electrical Outlets and Wiring
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How to Remove an Outlet from a Kitchen Counter Top or Tiled Wall: Keep Electrical Wiring Accessible, Removing an Outlet by Opening the Wall. © By: Dave Rongey |
Guide to Removing Kitchen Outlets and Wiring
Question: I have a newer home and it has several GFI outlets in the kitchen, laundry room and garage.
- I want to tile my back splashes and I want to remove one of the outlets and tile over the box, I don’t ever use it and don’t need it.
- Can I just remove the outlet, splice the wires together (Black to Black, White to White and ground to ground) and move on?
- Will I need to find the next receptacle in line and install the GFI in it’s location.
- I want to do it the easiest.
Thanks for your help.
This electrical wiring question came from: Bob, a Handyman from Sacramento, California.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Bob.
How to Remove an Outlet from a Kitchen Counter Top or Tiled Wall
Safety Note: While the tile is being installed the outlets and switches are typically unmounted, after the circuits are identified and turned OFF.
Why You Should Keep Electrical Wiring Accessible
- Keep Electrical Wiring Accessible
What I suggest is to have a custom made cover made from your tile or purchase decorative blank cover for the existing outlet box. - Code Compliance
The electrical code states that all electrical boxes must remain accessible, therefore they may not be buried inside of a wall or located in an area that will not be accessible. - Removing an Outlet by Opening the Wall
If the area of the wall have tile installed and you want to remove an outlet then the sheet rock can be removed to provide access so the outlet may be removed and the circuit wiring may be replaced as needed between the power source and branch circuit devices.- NOTE: Kitchen counter top outlets must be located and spaced as required by local and national electrical codes.
Summary: As you can see, access to electrical wiring and junction boxes is the key factor with most electrical wiring projects, especially if a problem should occur with the circuit and the wiring and splices will need to be inspected and tested.
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Tom,
A Main Disconnect Switch, which is generally a main circuit breaker in an enclosure, with the Line side in and Load side out. Unfortunately these are a little pricey, so when I am faced with a situation like this I just install a 200 amp meter main panel with distribution. This method is more affordable and now everything will be centralized in one location, unless a sub-panel will be located elsewhere. The existing circuits can be spliced in a junction box and extended to the main service location.
If this does not work for whatever reason then the main disconnect mounted at the meter is your option. Check with your local electric utility company to make sure about their specifications and provisions for the main disconnect as well.
The wire size will depend on the type that you select.
Follow this link for wire sizes for electrical services:
Dave
I am rehabbing an older home and want to move the main electrical panel (200 Amps Square D) about 30 feet, while leaving the meter box & meter in original location. I know that a shutoff (normally provided by main electrical panel) is required at the closest available point after leaving meter and entering residence. Can you tell me exactly what switch I need, and the wire size from meter box to new switch to 200 amp service panel? A diagram would be helpful also.
Moving the panel will save alot of wire and locate it to a much more accessible location.
Vineland, NJ