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—Wiring and circuits

Moving a socket or switch

Moving a socket is easy to do badly. The old cable has to reach the new position properly, not through a joint buried in the wall.

Sockets and switches are moved for new furniture layouts, kitchens, TV walls and renovations. The simplest approach — extending the existing cable — needs care: any joint must be made with suitable connectors and remain accessible or be of a type designed to be enclosed. Hidden, taped joints are a common cause of later faults.

Wiring guides explain how circuits are put together and changed, so a quotation or a recommendation is easier to follow.

Sometimes it is better to run a new cable from a junction or the board. The old position is then blanked or removed and the wall made good. Planning moves before painting or tiling avoids redoing finishes.

01In short

The points that matter most

  • No buried taped joints

    Joints must be made properly and safely.

  • New cable can be better

    Especially for longer moves.

  • Plan before finishes

    Moves are easier before painting or tiling.

02Detail

How it is done

  • Isolation

    Circuit switched off and proved dead.

  • Extension or new run

    Depending on distance and circuit layout.

  • Making good

    Old box blanked or removed; wall repaired.

  • Switch heights and door swings

    Switches moved during renovations are placed on the latch side of doors at a comfortable height, agreed before chasing.

03Checklist

Before the move

  • Mark the new position

    Considering furniture and use.

  • Plan finishes

    Painting or tiling after the move.

  • Check for other cables

    In the wall area.

04Questions

Questions people ask

Can a socket be moved a short distance easily?
Often, with a proper extension or a new cable.
What happens to the old box?
It is blanked off or removed and made good.
Can switches be moved to the other side of a door?
Usually, with a new cable route.
Can a socket be moved to the floor or a kitchen island?
It can, with a protected route through the floor planned before screeds or tiles are laid.

05Related

Related guides

This guide sits under electrical wiring. All topics are on the guides page.

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