Can An Outlet Be Moved And The Wire Spliced?

Question:

Hello,

I enjoyed your article about moving an existing electrical outlet:

Do you have any hints or information about moving an outlet to a new location (lower in the wall) when I do not have enough wire to reach the new location? 

Can I install a junction box and splice in new wire and then move the box down (about 2') lower in the wall and cover up the old outlet hole?

Thanks.
Wade

Reply:

What I have done in situations like that is to just add another electrical box where I need it. The previous box can be used to supply the power, and if you don't want an outlet there you can remove it and cover the box with a blank cover plate.

But the National Electrical Code requires that all connections in wiring be made in junction boxes, and the boxes must be accessible. You aren't supposed to cover a junction box with a cabinet or something permanent. I suppose you could cover a J-box with a cabinet if you made a cut-out in the back so the box's cover could be reached. Outlets inside cabinets may be prohibited.

But you are not supposed to make splices that are buried inside a wall.


Bruce W. Maki, Editor.