Removing a plug: can I just cut it off??

[snooks]

Hi there, there has been an electrical heater in my flat since before we moved in. We now want to remove it but the wiring goes behind a wall panel so we would have to take off the plug first.

I've heard of people 'cutting' off plugs but don't want to do something I shouldn't. That sounds dangerous, although tempting coz it'd be fast & easy.

Anyone know what I should do??


Cheers

 

[bernardgreen]

Provided the plug is not plugged in a socket then yes you can cut the cable. It is sensible to cut the cable next to the plug so you can see the plug is not plugged in.

Only to the flexibe cable between the heater and its 13 amp plug can be cut in this way.

And then open the plug and remove the wires before putting it in the cupboard.

If it is moulded plug then bend the pins so it cannot be used ( or other wise smash it ) and throw into the bin.

 

[snooks]

Cheers Bernard: and I assume that I should cut with normal plyers?

 

[JohnD]

if it is an ordinary plug (not a moulded one) you can open it with a small screwdriver and remove the wires from the terminals. the plug will not be plugged into a socket at this time so it is obviously not live.

 

[snooks]

cheers lads! The plug got the chop. The heater is off & the polyfiller is now drying in the holes before the walls get painted

 

[ColJack]

and your replacement heating option is what?

 

[snooks]

Nothing!! ;o) The heater has never once been used by us as that room is always fine (temperature-wise). -- Our building is old & not well insulated so the heat rises from downstairs leaving us nice & toasty )