Redundant light switch

[nick1983]

Hiya all we are just preparing our nursery and realised that there is an old Bakelite light switch behind the door that dosnt control anything?
how do we get rid of this? so we can fill hole before plastering?

 

[Taylortwocities]

You need to test that the wiring to the switch is truly disconnected if you are going to leave it in the wall.
To test this you will need a proper voltage indicator (not a neon screwdriver) or a multimeter.

Otherwise, trace the wire from the switch and disconnect it at its source.
This may be a light fitting or it may be a multi-way junction box somewhere under the floor.

You must not leave live, or suspect live, conductors in a wall and cover them over, for obvious reasons.

 

[nick1983]

so i have to buy a multimeter or hire an electrician to fix this then?

 

[Taylortwocities]

That would be the safe route. Folk have come to grief by driving a nail/screw in to a wall and hitting a live cable that they didn't expect.

It may not be you, it could be someone in 20 years time...

You can pick up a multimeter for £6 at Maplins. There's one near Blackpool Airport.

The switch was obviously left there for a reason.