How to Reset Electrical Outlets When Adding a Tile Backsplash

Locate your home's main electrical circuit breaker box. Find the breaker on the panel that leads to the outlet where tile will be installed. Turn the breaker switch to the "off" position. To ensure you have turned off the correct breaker, hold a non-contact voltage detector close to the outlet. This pen-like device beeps in the presence of AC voltage.

Unscrew and remove the screws holding the outlet cover in place. Remove the cover and set it and the screws aside. Unscrew and remove the screws holding the outlet to the existing electrical box. Pull the outlet out a little, carefully tilt the outlet and push it back into the box to allow you to install your tile.

Pull the outlet back out from the electrical box once you have finished tiling your backsplash. Slide the new extension box over the outlet and gently pull it through the extension box. Slide the extension box into the old electrical box.

Position the extension box so that the small tabs on the top and bottom are resting on top of the tile. Push the outlet back toward the extension box. Insert a 2-inch extension screw into the top and bottom holes of the outlet, through the holes of the extension box and align them up with the holes of the old box. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

Place the outlet cover back over the outlet and reattach it with screws. Turn the circuit breaker back on to restore power to the outlet. Use the non-contact voltage detector to test the outlet.