February 5, 2012 By ©2007-2012Author - Licensed Electrical Contractor Filed under Counter Top Outlets

1 Comment

Kitchen Tile and Electrical Outlets and Wiring

Kitchen Tile and Electrical Outlets and Wiring

 

The Code States We Must Keep the Electrical Wiring Accessible

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 question came from: Bob, a Handyman from Sacramento, California.
See more about Home Wiring for California

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Bob.

Electrical Boxes Must Be Accessible

  • I get this question a lot, and sorry to say that all electrical boxes must remain accessible, so what I suggest is to have a custom made cover made from your tile or purchase decorative cover for the existing outlet box.
  • This way you will be compliant with the code by making the spliced wires accessible.

The Following links will assist you with your Electrical Boxes

electrical outlet wiring
outlet-wiring
Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

electrical wire
electrical-wire
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

junction boxes
electrical-wiring
Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.

For more information about GFCI Wiring
GFCI Wiring
GFCI Wiring
GFCI Wiring
This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all projects.
For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Your Area

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Comments

One Response to “Kitchen Tile and Electrical Outlets and Wiring”
  1. Dave Rongey says:
    May 20, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    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


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