Submitted by JamesHoIden t3_1274od5 in DIY
I need to move a wall outlet in my basement at least 4 inches to the left. After removing 2 screws that attached the metal outlet box to the stud behind the drywall, I was still unable to move the box. It felt like there was something securing the box in place from above. I decided to cut a hole in the back wall of the closet that is located directly behind the outlet to get a better look. I could see from the new hole that unlike every DIY video I watched on YouTube, the outlet box is connected at the top to two metal conduits that appear to run upstairs. I can’t find any answers online on how to relocate an electrical / outlet box that is connected to metal conduits, is it even possible without turning this into a major project? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you!
Here’s a couple pics of what Im dealing with:
EDIT:
Thank you everyone so much for the help! A few people suggested I flip the box 180 degrees and reinstall the outlet in the closet on the opposite side of the wall, which I thought was the perfect solution. Unfortunately when I tried this the front of the box didn’t quite reach the wall on the other side. So I ended up getting a couple feet of conduit and 2 elbow connectors and had BARELY enough wire to move the box to the next stud over. This took me literally all day to do and my hands, knees and back are completely destroyed but it’s finally done. I have a tremendous amount of newfound respect for electricians, especially here in Chicago where conduit must be used in all home electrical wiring. Thanks again!
rooksb t1_jeck725 wrote
Would be a lot easier if you put a new box where you want it and just put a blank cover on this one and use as a junction box.