Any Electricians? Plug Socket Advice Needed!

[CellophaneFlower]

Had an electrician in to install a new plug socket in our box room, as existing one was in a ridiculous place. I wanted the original one removed, if possible, to be plastered over at a later date. The electrician told me, as he was leaving, he couldn't remove the said socket due to it being directly connected to the one behind it in the adjoining bedroom (he probably also said other relevant stuff which went straight over my head whilst I stood nodding, pretending to be knowledgeable).

My question is... are there reasons where it can't be removed at all? I'd googled prior and realise it can't just be plastered over etc but thought I could have a junction box under floorboards? I realise I could just leave as is, which I'd prefer not to do, or fit a blanking plate, but if I can have it gone totally I'd rather know now whilst the floorboards are still exposed! Totally not disputing what the electrician said, but not sure he realised how much I wanted it gone and thought perhaps he didn't like to up his quote for the extra work as he's a friend of a friend!

it's possible.

The safe zone for cables can include switches or sockets on the other side of a thin wall, though the chances of DIYers knowing that are slim. This means, for example, that if there is a lightswitch on the kitchen wall, you shouldn't drill into the living room wall on the other side in case there is a cable there.

I will guess that the two socket circuit cables go into the place where the old socket used to be. You could have them removed and rerouted, this might be a fair amount of work depending where they currently go.

You shouldn't hide a junction box under the floorboards. Out of sight means no-one will know it is there, and the terminals might need to be checked or tightened.

Leaving the old socket in place would probably be the simplest and most economical option.

Thanks for that @PigletJohn. Could I put a blanking plate over it safely though? It's in what will be my toddler's room, and in a place where no furniture will be so worried he'll start fiddling with it! I've done lots of research and know not to use the 'safety' socket insert things, and that current sockets mean it's nigh on impossible for him to electrocute himself, but I still worry! So if a blanking plate is as safe as leaving the socket there I'll do that! Thanks!

you could, but you'd need a 30A connector block behind it.

Your house is full of sockets, why should that one be dangerous?

I think there was a thing recently about socket covers being dangerous if that is what you meant? www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world/news/1158900/doh-guidance-highlights-dangers-of-plug-socket-covers

Yes blanking plate is as safe as a socket if not safer in theory. Sockets in the UK are perfectly safe unless damaged anyway. Socket covers can damage them, as can other non standard plugs.

I know I'm probably overthinking things, I think it's just as it's his bedroom and smack bang in the middle of a wall with no furniture. Most of our other sockets tend to be less prominent and less inviting due to being hidden behind things! Yes, Geneticsbunny, those are the covers I know not to use, hence considering the blanking plate. Thanks for the input everyone x

Can’t you still buy those plastic plug in things that stop little fingers? Or I did I dream them...

I have always used the plastic plug in covers. They plug in filling the plug openings and are hard for little ones to remove. If they are removed the socket has slide plates that cover the holes . Can`t see anything wrong with them.

If you are lucky enough to live in The Land of the World's Finest Plugs and Sockets, you don't need socket covers.

One of these. Not a stick in one, we had one for a double socket that my dc could reach from his cot
www.preciouslittleone.com/product-information/82/19302/clippasafe-socket-protector/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-onjBRDSARIsAEZXcKYph5b49-vDwUy_l8il2AWxwxpw5u5xvJfI17ChHRNrxP31hH7Dh4kaApc9EALw_wcB

Yes lggi999 that one would be useful if you're worried about kids unplugging important appliances eg your fridge.
sockets have built in socket protectors by law that "stop little fingers" and "fill the plug openings" although they can be defeated by broken socket protectors ie the ones mentioned above, exactly the ones the DOH is warning that should not be used.