I have a 2-gang light switch. One switch controls the main light in the room, and the other controls 4 5A sockets in the walls. I would like to remove the 5A sockets. What is the correct way to do this? Can I simply cut the wire going at the second switch, and plaster over the 5A sockets?
I assume from that the neutral is also fed from the switch position. If so disconnecting the T&E and safely protecting the ends (to prevent any chance of it becoming live again) is all thats required. I like to connect all 3 conductors of the disused cable to earth but it's not a requirement.
Before you lose the 5a sockets decide if you might like to use them again in the future. If there is a chance you might want them you will kick yourself!!
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Agree with sunray's suggestion of wiring all conductors to earth at the consumer unit/switch..
Did want to point out that these outlets may have been deemed to create a safe zone that other cables run in. By deleting the outlets you may end up with a wall that contains a live cable no longer running in a visible safe zone
Did want to point out that these outlets may have been deemed to create a safe zone that other cables run in. By deleting the outlets you may end up with a wall that contains a live cable no longer running in a visible safe zone
Whilst what you wrote may actually be the case, accessories only create 'safe zones' for the cables connected to them.
Can no accessory ever be removed in case someone has previously done something wrongly?
It has often been written that a blanking plate can indicate a safe zone. Are you saying this is wrong?
I would interpret it as - if the cable is joined in or runs through the back box then a blank plate is alright.
However if, as is implied in this case, no one could tell that the cable was there when the socket is removed then obviously it was not a 'safe zone'. It could also be run in a different direction to the socket cable(s).
The regulation is apparently quite clear:
522.6.202 A cable installed in a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50 mm from a surface of the wall or
partition shall:
(i) be installed in a zone within 150 mm from the top of the wall or partition or within 150 mm of an angle formed
by two adjoining walls or partitions. Where the cable is connected to a point, accessory or switchgear on any
surface of the wall or partition, the cable may be installed in a zone either horizontally or vertically, to the
point, accessory or switchgear. Where the location of the accessory, point or switchgear can be determined
from the reverse side, a zone formed on one side of a wall of 100 mm thickness or less or partition of
100 mm thickness or less extends to the reverse side, or
(ii) comply with Regulation 522.6.204.
However if, as is implied in this case, no one could tell that the cable was there when the socket is removed then obviously it was not a 'safe zone'. It could also be run in a different direction to the socket cable(s).
The regulation is apparently quite clear:
522.6.202 A cable installed in a wall or partition at a depth of less than 50 mm from a surface of the wall or
partition shall:
(i) be installed in a zone within 150 mm from the top of the wall or partition or within 150 mm of an angle formed
by two adjoining walls or partitions. Where the cable is connected to a point, accessory or switchgear on any
surface of the wall or partition, the cable may be installed in a zone either horizontally or vertically, to the
point, accessory or switchgear. Where the location of the accessory, point or switchgear can be determined
from the reverse side, a zone formed on one side of a wall of 100 mm thickness or less or partition of
100 mm thickness or less extends to the reverse side, or
(ii) comply with Regulation 522.6.204.
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No, just that efforts should be made to investigate and make it right now, because later will be too late.
Bit like pouring screed over asbestos tiles; the time to make it right and remove the tiles is now, in prep for the operation that installs the screed
