plastering over cables

by **Theresa23456** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 12:59 pm

Hi there

I have moved into a new home and there is a wire in the wall from when the previous tenants had a lamp attached to the wall. I don't want to put a lamp there and so am wondering if it's ok to plaster over it or if i need to get it professionally removed or something? (sorry if this is a silly question but i know nothing about DIY!)

by **dns** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 5:08 pm

Is it still live?

If not, wrap insulating tape around the bare ends, push it into the wall and plaster over it.

If it is, you'll need to disconnect the other end, wherever it may be.

by **kbrownie** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 6:07 pm

A wire in the wall with a lamp attached?
do you mean a wall light or standard table lamp?
Do you know if this cable is attached to or part of a continued circuit suppling other equipment?
If you don't know and are unsure contact an electrician.
KB

by **bd3cc** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 10:14 pm

It probably needs to be diconnected at source before plastering over, but need more info.

by **Theresa23456** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 8:56 am

hi there-sorry i wasn't very clear-I think it was for a small lamp they had attached to the wall over a painting (if i remember correctly when I first looked round the house). They took the lamp etc with them when they moved out. Thanks for your posts-will probably contact an electrician as I'm afraid i don't know all the ins and outs of it.

by **kbrownie** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 12:05 pm

[quote="dns"]Is it still live?

If not, wrap insulating tape around the bare ends, push it into the wall and plaster over it.

If it is, you'll need to disconnect the other end, wherever it may be.[/quote]

It could still be dead but be part of a circuit that is isolated with the potential to still be made live at some point, so be careful don't take anything for granted.
If in doubt call a sparky out.
KB