Hi John - Great Question!
Yes - you can use the existing receptacle box as a splice box to extend the circuit to a better location. Here are the steps to follow: Be sure to turn off the circuit, mark it so no one turns it back on and verify it is off at the receptacle. Pay careful attention to how the receptacle is wired, which wire goes where, especially the ground (and neutral if there is one). Use the exact same wire size and type to extend the circuit. The wiring should be run inside the walls, but if you need to extend the circuit on the surface of the walls then you need to install the wiring without the romex style jacket or purchase individual wires of the same gage and install them in conduit using connectors attached to a metal extension box on the existing box, then to a new surface mounted receptacle box in the new location. Support conduit with straps and firmly mount the new box preferably where a stud is so you can use wood screws. |
Junction the extended wires with good wire connectors sized properly for the wire gage. Be sure to cover the original box with a blank cover. plastic or metal. Make up the receptacle in the new box and replace the cover. Turn the circuit on and test it out.
Let me know if this helps.
Dave
From: John P.
Dave,
Thanks for replying to my question, but the more I thought about it the more I didn't like splicing. In addition, the existing cable is a 10-3 with no ground wire. Saw were the codes now require 10-3 with ground wire. Even though my existing cable met the code since my house was built in 1989, I thought what the heck, I'll go ahead and run a new cable to the box and get things up to code. Had all the studs exposed already since I put in a new 4 vent line to vent outside. My dryer room is located in the middle hallway with no exterior wall. Anyhow, installation is complete and all is working well.
Thanks, John.
Dave Rongey, Licensed Electrical Contractor |
