Unwanted double socket

shinytop

We have a double blanking plate almost above a sink and below a window sill. It looks like it was a socket and the cables behind are joined by a ceramic block connector.  I'm not happy with its proximity to the sink nor its looks. I don't really want to start ripping out wiring/plaster/kitchen units to remove it properly.  It's on an outside wall and in just the right place for an outside socket so could I use the cabling for that and then plaster/ tile over where it was?  

grumbler

Have a look at this recent thread - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6112059/can-i-disconnect-an-old-plug-socket-myself-or-do-i-need-an-electrician-to-do-it/p1

shinytop

Yup, interesting, thanks. I know I can't just plaster over what's there and I obviously can't have a socket either.    

FreeBear

An exterior socket should/would need to be run off a fused switched spur. However, you can't one fitted within 300mm of a sink.

Depending on where other sockets are in the kitchen and which direction the cables run, it might be possible to get rid of the box & blanking plate.. Best case scenario, the cables run horizontally in conduit and you have two sets of sockets on the same wall. In which case, pull a new length of cable through to connect the sockets together.

Second scenario - The cables drop down vertically below the worktop. In which case, pull the base unit out, chase in a wall box, and terminate the old wiring there.

Worst case scenario - The cabling runs around the window at crazy angles, is fixed to the wall, and covered with a thin metal capping. In which case, not a lot you can do without making a mess.

shinytop

FreeBear said:

An exterior socket should/would need to be run off a fused switched spur. However, you can't one fitted within 300mm of a sink.

Depending on where other sockets are in the kitchen and which direction the cables run, it might be possible to get rid of the box & blanking plate.. Best case scenario, the cables run horizontally in conduit and you have two sets of sockets on the same wall. In which case, pull a new length of cable through to connect the sockets together.

Second scenario - The cables drop down vertically below the worktop. In which case, pull the base unit out, chase in a wall box, and terminate the old wiring there.

Worst case scenario - The cabling runs around the window at crazy angles, is fixed to the wall, and covered with a thin metal capping. In which case, not a lot you can do without making a mess.

Brilliant, just what I needed.  I think it's the second scenario, in fact maybe easier because there's no unit directly underneath (it's the dishwasher, which has its own socket well away from the sink). 

TELLIT01

If none of the above work, you could loosen the blanking plate, apply silicon sealant, and retighten.  It doesn't get rid of the plate but does reduce the chance of water getting in there.

FreeBear

shinytop said:  I think it's the second scenario, in fact maybe easier because there's no unit directly underneath (it's the dishwasher, which has its own socket well away from the sink). 

It could be that this blanked off socket is a spur off from the dishwasher - In which case, disconnect, remove cable, and then fill in the offending hole.

But as always with electrics, if you have any doubts, please get a qualified electrician to have a look & do the work. In a kitchen, especially around the sink, getting it wrong could kill.

shinytop

FreeBear said:

shinytop said:  I think it's the second scenario, in fact maybe easier because there's no unit directly underneath (it's the dishwasher, which has its own socket well away from the sink). 

It could be that this blanked off socket is a spur off from the dishwasher - In which case, disconnect, remove cable, and then fill in the offending hole.

But as always with electrics, if you have any doubts, please get a qualified electrician to have a look & do the work. In a kitchen, especially around the sink, getting it wrong could kill.

I think it's the other way round; the dishwasher is a spur from this one. Nope I won't be doing anything without someone qualified having a look; I have family members I can call on.  And I may just tile round the plate and do what TELLLIT01 suggests anyway; it's a utility room and looks don't really matter.

FreeBear

shinytop said: I think it's the other way round; the dishwasher is a spur from this one.

Without seeing the installation, all we can do is make guesses. If the washing machine is indeed on a spur, ideally, there should be a fused switch above the worktop.