Hello All,

I am in the process of trying to install some new trim which will include shadow boxes and wainscoting. My problem is that the old electrical outlets will be in the way.

I don't think I can splice the wires in the old box and run them up the wall for the new outlet as the wainscoting will cover the old box and I am pretty sure that would violate national codes.

I also don't want to have to cut holes in the wainscoting just to put a blank outlet in.

Is there any way to just move the outlet up the wall without leaving the old box there?

All advice is appreciated. If it helps at all (regarding codes) I live in GA.

 

Do you know what's feeding that outlet? If it's tapped off another outlet, you can disconnect it from there. That way the blank won't be needed.

 

Welcome.
Most of the time, wall receptacle cables are ran down from the ceiling. So if you want to move a receptacle up, there's a good chance you'll be able to do it.
First, look at the existing box, you will see if cables are fed from the top. This is no guarantee but a good sign.
Cut an exploratory hole below final height of wainscot if you want to explore further, this hole will also allow you to reach the staples for removal.

 

Things must be done differently on the West Coast. In the eastern part of the US where we have basements or crawlspaces the power normally comes from the bottom up to the outlets and then cascades between them through the studs. Very seldom do you see the power coming down to outlets from the top although I've never lived in a home built on a slab foundation either.

 

Very true Msradell, thanks. Don't see basements here, or very rarely.

If that's the case, OP can pull cables down, install a junction box, and run one new cable up to new receptacle.

The worse case is that the cables run horizontally.

 

Just a thought, but what is behind the wall,any chance it's a closet?
Geo

 

Not mentioned but must be considered is code required spacing if you remove it.

 

If you can move the receptacle closer to the one before it and run a longer cable to get to the next receptacle . Spacing requirements would still apply .