I am converting my old kitchen into a bedroom and there are too many plug sockets. Can I remove the front plate tape up the cable and just plaster over it? (power turned off off of course) or is there a special thing to put on the end of the cables? What is the best way to go about this?

Many thanks

Andrew, July 2009

Ye gods.

1) "If you are in the UK, by law, that kind of work in the kitchen may only be done or supervised by a 'Competent Person'. You may not DIY it."

That is untrue. You may DIY it, but you do have to notify LABC in advance if you're in England or Wales.

2) "rirst off,put a marette connector on each wire in the box. then move the metal box back into the wall a little further,securing it to the wall stud.then buy a blank cover and place it securely on the metal box using the socket screws.all should now be a little back from the wall, allowing you to plaster over the opening.you will feel secure when the power is back on."

Miner - I have no idea if you're in the UK or not, but from your use of the term "marette connector" I would guess not, or if you are then your background is non-UK.

What you suggest is likely to contravene the wiring regulations because of the rules on concealed cables, and therefore likely to be illegal.

Please don't give advice when you are not competent to do so, particularly when, as in this case, it could get someone killed.

Concerned of London, August 2009

There are few words which require more care in the spelling than "competent"

Phil, August 2009

rirst off,put a marette connector on each wire in the box. then move the metal box back into the wall a little further,securing it to the wall stud.then buy a blank cover and place it securely on the metal box using the socket screws.all should now be a little back from the wall, allowing you to plaster over the opening.you will feel secure when the power is back on.

miner, July 2009

If you are in the UK, by law, that kind of work in the kitchen may only be done or supervised by a 'Competent Person'. You may not DIY it.

T, July 2009

Andrew,
My advice would be, seeing as how you had to ask in the first place. Get some competant help!!

t.r.services, July 2009

As per BS7671:2008 A cable joint should be accessible unless it is formed by compression (crimped), brazed, soldered, or a compound (resin) joint.

The easiest way to go about it (apart from just not using the sockets you don't want) would be to take the socket fronts off, connect like cables together using terminal block and cover with a blanking plate (then you could bring them back into service in the future if necessary).

The best way would be to chip away at the plasterwork to reveal the cables going to the sockets you no longer want, remove the sockets and backboxes, pull out the cables from under the floorboards or through the ceiling, replace the gap where you have taken out the sockets and cable with a continuous cable to complete the ring (or radial) making sure you route the cable in safe zones (under floorboards, then directly up or down to sockets).
Cover the cable with capping to protect it, then plaster over the capping.

Adam, July 2009

you would be better off , useing the plastic blocks, for the end of the cables , and not tape" or go back up the line , to the next socket that it comes from " and take and take the wires out of it there , , but make sure to take them out of (that socket) so there not live " at the other end , and that socket will become the last one , on the line , that has power going to it . then you can take out the back box , and plaster over the hole ...... (MAKE SURE ALL the power is off when working on it )

mark, July 2009