Removing A 'big' Plug Socket

[Baby_Sham]

I can't think of the correct word to use but there's a plug socket on the skirting board and it's one of the one's that sticks out, as opposed to be flush to the wall.
Anyway, it's the wall I need to put a large wardrobe on, and it will look stupid stuck out.
Can I remove this myself, is it easy to do, or is it something that requires an electrician?

I don't need to get to the socket, I won't be using it in any way and the wardrobe will be in front of it all the time, so use isn't an issue.

What's the best way to go about removing/replacing it?

Thanks.

[Zacs-Master]

'Can I remove this myself, is it easy to do,'

Depends on your cometency with electrics - do you know how to isolate the circuit which it is on and then strip out the live wiring?

[Baby_Sham]

Er... no :-/

I very much doubt OH would be ok with doing that either, so it looks like a job for a sparky - which is a pain as I wanted to get it done today whilst we're here.

Thanks for responding, Zacs. Muchos appreciated.

[The Builder]

Yes, it's certainly something you are allowed to do yourself. I have to agree that perhaps you shouldn't attempt it if you're not confident.

It's a simple job to remove the socket and the plastic surface box. It's also easy to make the connections to preserve the continuity of the ring. It may be a spur, so locating where it comes from makes it easy to disconnect it.

If it is the ring circuit, then the connections should be protected within some kind of enclosure. You could get yourself in a mess. It certainly shouldn't cost a lot to do the job. :o)

[gingejbee]

...or, cut a suitable hole in the back of the wardrobe!

[Baby_Sham]

Thanks Builder. We managed to find a local sparky, which was difficult as we were only there for the afternoon, and he's going to come back and do it for us on the day we move in, and all for £30. Bargain!

I came to the conclusion that it wasn't worth messing around with myself. My next question on here would be "how to treat electrocution"... :P

"Cut a suitable hole in the wardrobe"? Haha... made me laugh anyway (hope you weren't being serious)!

[Zacs-Master]

My advice was just as good. Maybe a little more succinct. :-((

[Baby_Sham]

Hey, what's with the sad face? I said thank you didn't I!!! :P

This is me we're talking about. I need things spelling out... :-)

[Zacs-Master]

I was being daft. I hope everything gets sorted. Zzzzzzz, flash, bang!

[Baby_Sham]

Haha shut up. Don't say that! :D

I messed around with it today and then got all scared that I might get an electric shock. I even made sure there was someone on standby, armed with a wooden broom.
My instructions were "if I get frazzled, whack me with the wooden handle until I wake up".

Come to think of it, I'd make a great paramedic...

[Zacs-Master]

My dad is an electrician. I was helping him one day and he assured me thatbthencircuit I was fishing out of some conduit was dead. The big flash and the hole in the end of my screwdriver told me otherwise.

[Baby_Sham]

Ouch!!! :-((

So I did good to just leave it then... and leave the bare wires exposed upon leaving the property? :-/

[Old_Geezer]

Leaving bare wires, which may be live ? I hope not.

You didn't say if the cable is in trunking on the wall or buried inside. If outside you'd need to remove that too.

It really isn't that large a job so if not confident to tackle it yourself, then get a quote. Even at tradesmen's prices it can't be that much, surely ?