Options for removing electrical outlet
#1
03-14-03, 07:32 AM
Options for removing electrical outlet
Hi. I have an electrical outlet (15A) about 4 feet up a wall that serves an in-wall air conditioner. I am removing the air conditioner and would like to remove the oddly placed outlet also. There is another standard height outlet nearby so there is no need to keep it.
I think I've read here before that if I leave the wiring in, I have to put an exposed plate cover over it (i.e. I can't cover everything with drywall). Alternatively, I can remove the wiring and then drywall.
Am I correct in my options? I believe the outlet is at the end of a run, which would make the removal option easy. If it is not at the end of the run, I'll probably just put a plate over it and leave it there.
Thanks!
DKG
I think I've read here before that if I leave the wiring in, I have to put an exposed plate cover over it (i.e. I can't cover everything with drywall). Alternatively, I can remove the wiring and then drywall.
Am I correct in my options? I believe the outlet is at the end of a run, which would make the removal option easy. If it is not at the end of the run, I'll probably just put a plate over it and leave it there.
Thanks!
DKG
#2
03-14-03, 07:40 AM
Member
Yes, you are correct.
If this is the end of the run, you can remove the cable for its entire length to the next outlet (preferred, but not usually possible), or you can disconnect the other end of the wiring at the next outlet and push the wiring out of that box back into the wall cavity. Make darn sure you have the right set of wires.
Just personal preference, but I'd leave the receptacle there. You might need it again someday.
If this is the end of the run, you can remove the cable for its entire length to the next outlet (preferred, but not usually possible), or you can disconnect the other end of the wiring at the next outlet and push the wiring out of that box back into the wall cavity. Make darn sure you have the right set of wires.
Just personal preference, but I'd leave the receptacle there. You might need it again someday.
#3
03-14-03, 10:15 AM
If you have a crawl space underneath (or above) the receptacle in question, you can check to see if the wires are accessible at that point. For instance, if you pull the receptacle out and find one (or two or three) cables in the box and then crawl underneath and find the same # of wires going up to the receptacle then you can cut the wires (with power off) and splice them back together in a junction box under the house.
