1

Why was a live receptacle buried in the cinderblock walls of my basement behind old, brittle insulation, and should it be used now that it still works?

Asked by Félix López
8 months ago
Last Updated: May 7, 2024

So, I’ve been doing some renovations in my basement and found a live outlet hidden in the cinderblock wall. Lime has been coming out of it. Any thoughts on why the previous owners would hide it behind the old insulation? Should I bring it out and use it, since it’s still functioning?

Related picture 1
Subscribe
Notify of

13 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Nicholas Bringedal

Break it down, secure the wiring with tape and marrets in a junction box. I wouldn’t risk using that.

Clément Roche

The conduit should be fine, but I recommend replacing the outlet and box.

Renzo Deschamps

It seems to be armored wiring. I would advise disconnecting it from where it connects. It’s fortunate that it hasn’t caused any problems so far. Just imagine constantly tripping a breaker without realizing there’s an outlet hidden in the wall. Haha

Nicholas David

That’s exactly what I was thinking. Even with experience, I wouldn’t have been able to find that quickly if I was searching for the short.

Carlos Byrd

I wouldn’t recommend using it as-is. If you need a receptacle in that spot, I would suggest cutting the power, taking out the receptacle, and checking everything thoroughly. It seems like the box got wet at some point, so it might not be safe to use. The armored wiring appears to be in good condition. The receptacle is old and hidden. It’s best to change it.

Marshall Chapman

While it’s open, I suggest removing it. But first, make sure it’s not live. You can keep the wire in place but disconnect it where it connects to the nearest junction box. If you want a receptacle there, it’s best to run new wire… especially if the rest of your house’s wiring is metal clad, as there are specific considerations to keep in mind.

Yolanda Garica

Remove it, secure the block with cement, correctly install the outlet, and then use it as needed.

Michael Kennedy

What’s your task? Seems like new mortar. Huh

Akseli Eskola

Can it be recessed within the interior wall instead of being mounted on the wall?

Alfred Blanc

You never really know the condition of the wiring, outlet, or box until you actually take the outlet out. If it’s still functioning and in bx cable, it’s probably okay, but you won’t know for sure without proper inspection.

Slađana Vidić

That’s what the previous owner did, who knows

Eleonora Bezkorovayniy

It’s important that it’s never buried

Abbie Hunt

They refer to this as the homeowner special.

13
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x