Terminating a Circuit

[JamieK]

Here is a kitchen question, but hopefully someone will be able to help. I have a counter/bar in my kitchen, with an outlet in the end of it. Inside the counter, the wire runs out of the box, under the cabinet, and back into the wall. I want to get rid of the outlet, but still leave the wiring in place. In case I want the reinstall the outlet in the future. What would be the proper way to do this? I don't think covering the ends up with electrical tape and stuffing under the cabinet would be up to code!

 

[Teken]

Locate the said breaker for the out let and turn it off. Verify that the circuit is indeed off with a DMM, or similar measuring device. In a pinch plug something in it while it's powered and turn the breaker off if its out, you got the right one.

Remove the said out let, use the correct guage merrett and cap off each conductor. More than likely this circuit is feeding others in the home. So terminating the wires so they short out may not be the correct solution if that is the case.

Why do you want to get rid of the recepticle??

 

[rockwithjason]

pull the cable back and box it somewhere out of the way. you can use a plastic box and blank cover if the cable is romex.

 

[JamieK]

Thanks, Teken. I had to google what a merrett was; never heard it called that before. I've always called them wire nuts. I'm wanting to get rid of the outlet because I'm replacing the cabinets, and thought it would look better not to be there, with the white outlet on the wood cabinet back. There's another outlet on the wall 2 feet away, anyway. So after I cap the wires off, does the end still need to be in a junction box?

 

[Teken]

Well the first thing I would verify is (IF) this circuit is feeding others. This determines what you're going to do next . . .

If it's a dedicated feed to only this counter top. The easiest thing to do is kill the power to the breaker, and pull the wire down below the floor and hang it up in the joists below the floor, and then as I said have it terminated with the proper size merretts.

I would also just for safety sake wrap each conductor with electrical tape.

If this circuit is in parallel with others, then it's best to terminate the ends, and as the other member has suggested place the said wires in a plastic box with a cover on top of it and secure it with in the cabinet.

Either way protects you, family, and your home . . . Make sure you write down on the box that this circuit is live, if it's in parallel with others . . . You can't assume you will be the only one in the area so air on the side of caution alright.

 

[travisd]

If the color is an issue, don't forget that you can custom order outlets in different colors. Leviton seems to even have a faux woodgrain available - check the special-order catalog @ Home Depot or similar.

 

[steven083008]

I believe that by code (almost anywhere) if the lines are hot you must have access to them (meaning if they are in a box you have to have a blank plate on it that you can take off to access the wires.) You can't nut them and stuff them in the wall or in a junction box that is drywalled over, etc.

 

[mrb]

the dead end cable must be in a box, and it must remain accessable. You cannot put wire nuts on the end of the wires and leave the romex hanging. You cant to the same and stuff it in the wall.

 

[Nostraquedeo]

Might want to look into NEC Article 210.50.C as it relates to requirements of a receptacle in an island/peninsular and other counter spaces. Make sure you are not removing something that is required to stay.

 

[rsanter]

cap the wires with wirenuts
add a little electrical tape for good measure
push the wires back in
cover box with blank outlet

your done

bob

 

[JamieK]

Can I just put the wires into a box attached to the inside of the cabinet? Is that considered accessible? Or in other words, is there any codes against having an outlet inside of the cabinet? Stupid place for it to be, but it would be what I needed.

Also, I don't think NEC 210.50 applies here.

210.50 (C) Appliance Outlets. Appliance receptacle outlets installed in a dwelling unit for specific appliances, such as laundry equipment, shall be installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the intended location of the appliance.

The outlet is not for any specific purpose or appliance.

 

[Rosco]

Might want to look into NEC Article 210.50.C as it relates to requirements of a receptacle in an island/peninsular and other counter spaces. Make sure you are not removing something that is required to stay.

Correct, depending on how far the island/peninsula is from the wall and other outlets in the kitchen. Sounds like it must stay to be in code. 210.52C2 and 3


http://www.make-my-own-house.com/download-page.html

this link is what you need. Look on page 33 on the electrical quick guide, then reference the NEC book.

 

[Teken]

Can I just put the wires into a box attached to the inside of the cabinet? Is that considered accessible? Or in other words, is there any codes against having an outlet inside of the cabinet? Stupid place for it to be, but it would be what I needed.

That is fine, because it is accessible . . . Have you verified that this circuit is not in fact feeding others yet?? This determines how easy, or how hard it will be in the grand scheme of things.

Single circuit all by it self, kill the breaker, terminate all the ends and tape up. Place all the wires into an approved box, and mount to the interior of the cabinet.

Done . . .