I'm moving some plug sockets further down my wall after removing an old kitchen. Am I right in saying that I can extend the wires using maintenance free junction boxes and can these be plastered over or do I have to use blanking plates over the old sockets?
Also, I have a couple of sockets I will no longer use. If I put blanking plates over them what is the best way of safely terminating the wires?
I should mention that I will be getting a proper electrician to inspect the finished article and pulling the wiring out from the unused sockets isn't an option.
Cheers
I personally would get electrician in sooner rather than later - hidden boxes with wires in walls give me heebies when drilling.... Just make the move properly - can you pull wires back up through the chased lines / behind cupboards?
I'm afraid pulling the wires out isn't an option (I won't bore you with details) Matt. The boxes won't be hidden either, just covered with blanking plates, I prefer to make the terminations inspectable.
If you are leaving the boxes then they don't technically need to me maintenance free but you might as well for the sake of about £1. If you do use maintenance free than they can be plastered over. The only issue is that the cables will need to be in "safe zones" (google for a diagram) and usually the safe zone is created by the presence of a socket. The safe zone runs horizontally and vertically from the socket. The new socket may create a new safe zone that covers the old cable if it all runs in a straight line, but if in doubt leave the box and blank it
I have a couple of sockets I will no longer use. If I put blanking plates over them what is the best way of safely terminating the wires?
If the sockets are on a ring main you'll be joining the wires rather than terminating them. If they're spurs you're best disconnecting them from where they're spurred from, then the wire's safe even if you do have to leave it in situ. If you just terminate them they'll be a potential hazard if they're disturbed anytime in the future.