Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    bunk555's Avatar
    bunk555 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Apr 3, 2008, 05:46 PM
    Receptacle wiring in kitchen outllet box
    I am trying to move an electrical box in my kitchen from the wall to an island. The box I am trying to move is on its own 15amp circuit but has a 14/3 and a 14/2 wire going into the box. Why are there two wires going to this box?
    mr500's Avatar
    mr500 Posts: 181, Reputation: 8
    Junior Member
     
    #2

    Apr 3, 2008, 09:24 PM
    Are all the wires coming into the box connected to the plug? If so, only thing I can say is that maybe it's a switch controlled receptacle. Other words, possible that ONE of the receptacles (the one with the RED wire attached) is powered by a wall switch where you can turn that receptacle off and on. Unusual for a kitchen but I guess it can happen that way.


    This is just my thought. Others will explain if I am wrong!

    :D
    Guest's Avatar
    Guest Posts: n/a, Reputation:
    Guest
     
    #3

    Apr 4, 2008, 04:04 AM
    First off, a couple of issues, assuming your located in the USA, #14 wire is not allowed for kitchen receptacles. All counter outlets should be 20 amp circuit with #12 copper wire. Plus, if you relocate the counter outlet to the island, what will serve that counter where the outlet was removed? Generally speaking, there should be an outlet every four feet of counter, and one at any separate space 12" or more.

    Noting how the wiring was, or is connected in the outlet box is wise, before taking any connections apart. Using a voltage tester to test each wire and learn which is the feed is wise also.

    Switched outlets in a kitchen is not very common, I have never seen it, I suppose it is possible.

    Most likely, the 3 wire cable is two circuits with a shared neutral, one circuit feeding that first outlet, and the second circuit continuing on to another outlet.

    Noting how the wires are connected and using a voltage tester will help understand this arrangement.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
     
    #4

    Apr 4, 2008, 05:48 AM
    I agree the 14-3 is either a switch leg maybe for under counter lights, or 2 separate circuits, red and white would stop there, the black and white would continue to another circuit.
    How are the red and blacks connected in box?

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Wiring a gfi receptacle for a garbage disposal [ 3 Answers ]

Trying to wire a gfi receptical with 14/2 w/gnd for a garbage disposal, in a very old house and the supply wire is not grounded, as far as I understand in electricity, you can't have a ground fault interuption without being grounded, also I tried and the receptical didn't work- it's got to be that,...

Nid box wiring [ 4 Answers ]

Nid Box, how do you wire up the ones from the phone line for computer; inside the box Tom

Re-wiring always hot light box [ 1 Answers ]

I have old light boxes that are wired for on/off switched fixtures. How would I re-wire them, along with a switch box, to use regular light fixtures?

Wiring AC condenser to Breaker Box [ 2 Answers ]

I have recently purchased a home that had a few vandal problems. It seems someone was trying to steal most of the pieces to the breaker box while it set empty during sale. The closing company had most of it repaired during closing, but turns out today *the hottest day in a month* the wire from...


View more questions Search