How can I remove a receptacle and abandon the electrical outlet?

Question

We are trying to remove an electrical outlet. We turned the power off and disconnected the wires from the outlet. Then we twisted the + wires and tapped them and did the same with the - wires. Then we covered up the hole. When we turned the power back on the other outlets on the circuit they failed to work. Did we do something wrong?

Answer 1

It sounds you caused a short circuit by wiring the hot and neutral together. You created a circuit with no electrical resistance so the breaker pops to prevent you from melting the wires and burning down your house.

Cap each wire that you removed separately unless they were already joined together. Once the outlet is removed and everything is safely capped and covered, remember that the cover plate must remain exposed and you cannot patch over the box.

If you are unsure of how to rectify this, you are best to call an electrician.

Answer 2

You simply need to convert the outlet into a junction box:

1. Flip the circuit breaker off
2. Unscrew the hots, neutrals, and ground from the outlet and remove the outlet
3. Splice the hot, neutral, and ground from both sides (charge and load) and put wire nuts on
4. Cover the box with a junction box lid
5. Flip the circuit back on

That way the receptacle continues transmitting the current without actually acting as a power outlet