Easily Install an Electrical Outlet Without Cutting Into Drywall!
Please be aware that following this article to install outlets with surface wiring shall be done at your own risk! I’m not an electrician, and this is just an idea of how extra outlets can be added without a major renovation. A licensed electrician should be consulted before undertaking any electricity project!
Our current kitchen used to be a bedroom, so the electrical outlets are positioned at a lower level on the wall. We needed to move them up. After spotting the surface wiring components at my local home improvement store, I researched and discovered that this option would meet our requirements. This would allow me to safely and easily add a couple of outlets without cutting into the drywall.
The Backstory:
Once the cabinets and countertops were in place (but not fully installed), I added wiring to an existing outlet to bring it up to counter height. However, I still needed a couple more outlets. For a while, we used short power strips, which served as a temporary solution but certainly wasn’t safe. Surface wiring turned out to be the best solution!
What is Surface Wiring?
Surface wiring (<– affiliate link) refers to a set of components including channels, boxes, clips, and elbows that sit on the outside of the wall. The wiring taps into an existing outlet (which is extended to the surface of the wall) and runs through a channel to connect another outlet, also mounted to the outside of the wall. The outlets are wired as normal.
The Quick Process
As I mentioned, if you are undertaking this project, consult a licensed electrician first, and secure any permits necessary for this project.
I purchased two pieces of the metal channel, three metal outlet boxes, three outlets with matching covers, and the accessory kit which consists of wall clips, covers for the end of the channel, and channel connectors. The coolest thing about the channels and the boxes is that they are paintable so they can match the existing wall color.
Paint Before Installing
Since the boxes and the channel were going over the peel-and-stick tile I installed a couple of years prior, I had to find spray paint to match. I came pretty darn close! I painted the channel, boxes, and the outlet covers. I DO NOT recommend painting electrical outlets. Paint can get inside causing them not to work properly and potentially cause a fire. It just generally is not a good idea.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
A surface box is mounted over the electrical box for the existing outlet. The outlet is brought forward (providing there is enough wire to do so) and installed on the surface box. The surface boxes for the new outlets are positioned where desired, then the channel is cut and installed to house the wiring connecting the new outlets to the existing outlet. The new outlets are then wired into the surface boxes, and the covers are installed.
My Takeaway
This was a great way for us to get the extra outlets we needed without having to do a major renovation. They work well and are located within easy reach of our coffee maker and other kitchen appliances such as the InstantPot and a slow cooker.
I will stress this again because it it important: consult a professional before tackling any project like this! This article is an idea only and not a how-to tutorial!
Have questions about my project to install outlets with surface wiring? Leave a comment below!
