Is It Hard to Install a Plug Over a Range?

Electricity Over the Range

• An electrical outlet over your stove range provides you with a very useful set of options in the kitchen. With this outlet, you can install an over-the-range microwave, a range hood or even a flat screen TV on the wall above your stove. The key factor in making this job easy on yourself lies in moving the stove. Leaning over the range to complete an entire installation job can lead to mistakes, fatigue and numerous aches and pains. To avoid all of this, simply slide the stove away from the wall. If you can’t move your stove on your own, find someone to help you.

Wall With Electrical Elements

• If electrical wiring runs through the walls behind your range, you face a job of moderate difficulty. The Family Handyman rates this task three out of five in terms of difficulty. The difficult part lies in properly wiring the outlet and connecting it to the wires in your wall. You can download schematic diagrams, charts or guides to doing this properly from electrical engineering websites, free of charge. Otherwise, the task requires little more than purchasing an outlet, cutting a hole in your wall, and placing an outlet and remodeling box in the hole. A remodeling box is a plastic or metal anchor for the outlet.

Wall Sans Electrical Elements

• If the wall above your range contains no components of the electrical system of your home, prepare yourself for a very difficult task. While installing the actual outlet in this case still requires nothing more than cutting a hole and fitting your remodeling box and plugs into it, your wall contains no wires to power your new outlet. Therefore, you need to add wiring to your home's electrical system specifically for your new outlet. This requires some complex electrical work, and you may need to remove portions of your kitchen wall. Never undertake such a complex or potentially dangerous project without assistance unless you previously worked as an electrician or electrical engineer.

Things to Consider

• Always turn off the electrical supply to your kitchen before attempting to install an outlet over your range. Check with local electrical codes before beginning your job -- these codes provide local wiring laws. Remove all fire hazards from your range area before installing an outlet. When purchasing a remodeling box, make sure the material of the box works with your wall material -- the ideal remodeling box for drywall may not work with a wood wall, and vice versa. Always purchase a plug with the right type of outlet for the appliance you need to plug into that outlet, and make sure that your system delivers the right current for your needs.