How to Determine If an Electrical Outlet Is Behind a Cabinet

Often cabinets are installed in front of electrical work and plumbing. To find those old electrical outlets, you can knock holes in the back of each cabinet until one is found. However, that creates a mess and could take a lot of time. To simplify your search, use a tool designed to find electrical work and metal. Once a possible outlet is located, then drill a hole in your cabinetry.

Stud finder with combination sensor
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Open the cabinet and remove all items from it.
- 2
  Turn on the stud finder with a combination sensor. Change the mode on the stud finder to "Electrical," if applicable. Some stud finders with combination sensors don't require you to change modes.
- 3
  Place the stud finder flat against the back of the cabinet and move it from left to right to operate. The device sounds or signals when live wire or metal is found, which could indicate the placement on an electrical outlet behind the cabinet.
- 4
  Mark the spot where the stud finder signal first goes off with a pencil.
- 5
  Move the stud finder two inches to the left and right from the mark. Most outlets are at least two inches wide. Notice when the signal is strong and where it fades. The signal should be strong for one to two inches. If the signal doesn't continue for a span of at least two horizontal inches, it might not be an outlet.
- 6
  Move the stud finder up and down near the mark to locate four to six vertical inches of continuous signal; outlets are 4 to 6 inches tall. If the signal continues, an outlet is likely behind the cabinet.

My Fluorescent Kitchen Light Doesn't Work in High Humidity

Does Turning the Air Conditioner High Then Low All the Time Use More Electricity?

Electrical Repairs