We are remodeling our kitchen & would like to move our range 12 ft along the same wall, and hardwire to a counter top unit. That wall would be stripped down to studs. It appears that we would no longer need the receptacle. Can we use the receptacle box as a junction box for extending wire through the studs to the new location? What is the proper way to do this? Thanks, Rob

First off, you need the outlet. It is a safety measure and mandatory. If for any reason a technician has to get behind the unit, he must be able to disconnect from the supply source.

Second, it needs to be on a isolated circuit, particularly if it is a range/oven combination

Yes, you can splice at the old box, however, the old box must now have a cover on it and be accessible for an electrician to get inside of it.

When I converted my range top to a range/oven, I just pulled a new cable.

I did need to change the cable because there was a change in the amperage of the new unit.

You CANNOT splice this cable if it is old "3-wire" range cable.

Can you describe it?

Stan is correct! This must be 3 wire cable,with a bare or green ground conductor.