What to do with existing cables when re-wiring

[Robin101]

Hi

Can anyone tell me when re-wiring a house should the old cables be removed? Or, for example, can they simply be cut and the ends buried under plaster.

I am about to change some circuits in my house which are old (the building inspector knows!) and i suddenly thought can i simply leave the old cables in the wall or do i need to rip them out.

I assume when houses are completely re-wired they are either left in until the new system is energised so as to not be without electricity. But are they then left in or stripped out?

Any help would be very much aprreciated

 

[mapj1]

Remove totally if in tubing, pull the end and you will see if it moves or not, otherwise cut as short as poss at ends, and plaster over. If left accessible, because cable is good enough for possible future re-use, then terminate in a junction box or similar and mark up clearly.

 

[andy]

just leave old cables in