Convert Phone Jack to Electrical Outlet: Make That Right!
In countless homes, especially older ones, unused phone jacks linger on walls like relics of a bygone era. Meanwhile, the demand for electrical outlets has skyrocketed. This begs the question: can you convert that useless phone jack into a much-needed electrical outlet?
The short answer is a hard no. You cannot directly convert a phone jack to a standard 120-volt electrical outlet. Attempting to do so is incredibly dangerous and poses a significant risk of fire and electrocution. However, you can safely use the existing location to install a new, properly wired outlet.
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Why You Can’t Just Swap the Jack for an Outlet
The idea of a simple swap is tempting, but it’s based on a fundamental misunderstanding of how these two systems work. The wiring behind your walls for a phone line is completely different from the wiring required for a power outlet.
Telephone wires are low-voltage cables, typically carrying around 48 volts of direct current (DC) when idle. In contrast, a standard electrical outlet in North America carries 120 volts of alternating current (AC), which is a much more powerful and dangerous form of electricity. Sending 120 volts through thin telephone wire would instantly overheat it, melting the insulation and creating a severe fire hazard.
Key Differences in Wiring
- Voltage and Amperage: Phone lines operate on low voltage with very low amperage. Electrical circuits are high voltage (120V) and designed to handle significant amperage (typically 15 or 20 amps).
- Wire Gauge: Electrical wiring (like Romex®) uses thick copper conductors (usually 12 or 14-gauge) designed to carry heavy electrical loads safely. Telephone cable uses extremely thin wires (often 24 or 26-gauge) meant only for transmitting data and voice signals.
- Insulation: The plastic sheathing on electrical cables is thick and rated to handle the heat and voltage of a 120V circuit. The insulation on phone wires is thin and not designed for high voltage, meaning it would quickly fail.
Attempting to energize phone wires with 120V power can lead to catastrophic failure, including electrical fires within your walls, damage to any plugged-in devices, and a serious risk of electric shock.
The Right Way: Using the Location to Run New Wiring
While you can’t reuse the phone wire, you can absolutely leverage its path. The hole in the wall and the route the wire takes provide a convenient conduit for running new, code-compliant electrical wiring. This is the only safe and correct way to accomplish your goal.
This project is best suited for those with some DIY electrical experience. If you are not 100% confident in your ability to work with electricity, hire a licensed electrician. Safety should always be your top priority.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Installing a New Outlet
Here is a general overview of the process. Always consult your local electrical codes and obtain any necessary permits before beginning work.
1. Safety First: Turn Off the Power
Before you touch any wiring, locate the correct circuit breaker in your electrical panel and shut it off. Use a non-contact voltage tester at the power source you plan to tap into (like a nearby outlet) to confirm the power is completely off.
2. Remove the Old Phone Jack and Wiring
Unscrew the phone jack’s faceplate. Disconnect the small wires from the jack and remove it. The next step is to pull the old phone wire out of the wall. If you’re lucky, the wire will pull out easily. Often, however, it is stapled to the studs inside the wall.
3. Use the Old Wire as a Pull String
If the wire isn’t stapled, you can use it to your advantage. Securely tape the end of your new electrical cable (14/2 or 12/2 NM-B Romex) to the end of the old phone wire. Go to the source of the phone line (often in the basement or attic) and gently pull the old wire, which will, in turn, pull the new electrical cable through the wall to the jack’s location.
4. Install a Proper Electrical Box
Phone jacks are often mounted in low-voltage brackets, not sturdy electrical boxes. You will need to remove this bracket and install an “old work” or “remodel” electrical box. These boxes are designed to be installed in existing drywall and have tabs that clamp onto the back of the drywall for a secure fit.
5. Connect to a Power Source
You will need to run your new electrical cable from the new box location to a power source. This is typically done by tapping into a nearby existing outlet or running a new circuit directly from your breaker panel. Ensure the circuit you are tapping into can handle the additional load. Most residential codes limit the number of outlets on a single circuit.
6. Wire the New Outlet
With the new cable run, you can now wire the new receptacle. Connect the black (hot) wire to a brass screw, the white (neutral) wire to a silver screw, and the bare copper (ground) wire to the green ground screw on the outlet. Push the outlet carefully into the box, screw it in place, and attach the faceplate.
7. Restore Power and Test
Turn the circuit breaker back on and use an outlet tester to confirm that your new outlet is wired correctly and safely grounded.
Cost to Convert a Phone Jack to an Electrical Outlet
The cost for this project varies significantly depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. A licensed electrician will ensure the job is done safely and up to code.
Hiring an electrician to install a new outlet can cost anywhere from $150 to $350, depending on the complexity of the wire run and local labor rates. If a new circuit needs to be run from the main panel, the cost could be higher.
| Item/Service | DIY Cost (Approx.) | Professional Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Old Work Electrical Box | $3 – $5 | Included in Labor |
| 15A Tamper-Resistant Outlet | $3 – $5 | Included in Labor |
| 25 ft. 14/2 NM-B Wire | $20 – $30 | Included in Labor |
| Wire Nuts & Connectors | $5 | Included in Labor |
| Electrician Labor | N/A | $150 – $350+ |
| Total | $31 – $45 | $150 – $350+ |
While the DIY material cost is low, the price of safety and peace of mind that comes with professional installation is invaluable for many homeowners. Adding new outlets is a common home improvement, but it is one of several electrical jobs you may consider, like if you are weighing the cost to convert a gas stove to electric.
A Smart Alternative: Using Phone Lines for Data
In some homes built after the late 1990s, builders used Category 5 (Cat5) or better Ethernet cable for the phone lines. If you discover this type of cable behind your phone jack, you have a fantastic opportunity. You can convert the phone jack into a high-speed Ethernet port.
This process involves replacing the RJ11 phone jack with an RJ45 Ethernet keystone jack and ensuring the other end of the cable is correctly terminated at a central location and plugged into a network switch. This can provide a stable, wired internet connection for computers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles, which is often much faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.
Future-Proofing Your Home
Even if you are running new electrical wire, consider running a new Cat6 Ethernet cable alongside it. The incremental cost is minimal, and it provides a valuable connection for future smart home devices or a home office setup. The need for reliable power and data is universal in modern homes, just as having power available outdoors is. Many homeowners find they have no outlets outside their house and seek solutions, much like repurposing an old phone jack.
Ultimately, transforming that obsolete phone jack into something useful is a smart home improvement project. Whether it’s adding a new power outlet or a data port, you’re updating your home’s infrastructure to meet modern demands. Just remember that when it comes to electrical work—a category that also includes projects like learning how to convert an outdoor light to an outlet—safety and proper procedure are non-negotiable.
## Frequently Asked Questions
Can I simply swap my phone jack with an electrical outlet?
No, you cannot simply replace a phone jack with an electrical outlet. Phone lines use low-voltage wiring that is not designed to handle the higher voltage and current of a standard electrical outlet. Attempting to do so is a serious fire hazard.
Why isn’t the wiring for a phone jack sufficient for an electrical outlet?
Telephone wiring is a thin gauge, low-voltage cable intended for communication signals. Electrical outlets require much thicker wiring, such as Romex, to safely carry the 120 volts of a standard household circuit. Using phone wire for an outlet would cause the wires to overheat, creating a significant risk of fire.
So, is it possible to have an electrical outlet where a phone jack is?
Yes, but it requires running new, appropriate electrical wiring from a power source, like a nearby outlet or your home’s circuit breaker panel, to the location of the old phone jack. An electrician may be able to use the existing phone cable to help pull the new electrical wire through the wall.
Is this a DIY project or should I hire an electrician?
Due to the complexities and safety risks involved with running new electrical wiring, it is highly recommended to hire a qualified electrician for this project. They will ensure the new outlet is installed correctly and meets all electrical code requirements. Improper wiring can lead to shocks, fires, and other dangers.
What’s the advantage of using the old phone jack location?
The main advantage is having a pre-existing opening in the wall. This can make the process of installing the new electrical box and outlet slightly easier and potentially less messy than creating a new hole. However, the box used for the phone jack will likely need to be replaced with one that is rated for electrical use.
