How to remove old telephone ports?

[JonnyH]

I have phone ports in my kitchen and one of our bedrooms. I'd like to get rid of them using something like this, DETA Blank Wall Cover Plate - Single Pack(10)More options available or DETA X6 Blank Wall Plate(6).

Is this something I can do myself or would I need an electrician to install?

Cheers

Jonny

[EricL]

Hello @JonnyH 

While the risk of electrical shock from a low-voltage phone line is minimal, it is advisable to exercise an abundance of caution by consulting a licensed electrician or telecommunications professional for assistance with removing and making safe redundant telephone lines or telephone jacks.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[R4addZ]

Hi @JonnyH 

I'm a registered cabler and technically, you aren't allowed to DIY even the removal of these but let's look at the details behind this and then you can decide for yourself. If you are on the NBN and have either FTTN (fiber to the node) or FTTC (Fiber to the kerb and yes I know it should be FTTK) then we have to consider where the service comes in because there is a possibility it passes through the wiring and sockets here to get to where your router is plugged in. That isn't the best practice but some installers were paid per job rather than time so they took the quickest and easiest option.

If you were to want to leave the sockets connected but cover them up, you should find that the sockets clip into the plate, so you could just unclip them and push them back behind a blank plate. Just tape them up to prevent any condensation causing faults just in case they are still connected. The reason you are not allowed to DIY is that the regulations state that if cabling is connected, or capable of being connected, you have to be a registered cabler to work on it and it is that "capable of being connected" that stops DIY even if it isn't in use.

But as I always say, I'm not the cabling police so the decision is yours really.

[JonnyH]

Cheers for the advice.

I think I'll just leave it then.

Are they safe to leave exposed? I've a couple of kiddies who are becoming inquisitive. We've put those safety plastic plugs in the wall sockets so they are safe.

Cheers

Jonny

[AlanM52]

Hi @JonnyH,

I will assume you have read and digested all the warnings about tampering with those wall plates.

I am not suggesting you do this but if that was my house and I am just a layperson I would remove one of the wall plates and carefully bend the cabling so it comes out one side. Cover with a strong plastic bag, cable tie and push into the cavity - install the blank wall plate. Same for the other one.

Cheers

[EricL]

Hello @JonnyH 

My best advice is to get a quote from a cabling specialist, this will at least give you an idea of the going rate and if having the telephone ports covered up is within your budget then it would be best to have them safely covered up. Another option is to get the blanking plate and fixing them over the front of the port with thick heavy-duty double-sided tape to at least deter the children's curiosity.  

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[R4addZ]

Hi @JonnyH & @EricL 

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner but I changed my email address and seem to have stopped getting updates which is why I linked in EricL. but back to topic,

There is no risk to your children from these outlets. The normal voltage on a telephone line is 48v DC and only goes up to about 100v AC if the phone is ringing. If you were holding the wires connected to this you wouldn't even feel it unless it started to ring and at worst it would make you jump (on building sites in the UK they use 110V appliances for safety reasons). The solution suggested by @AlanM52 is good but if space is small you can just use tape as I suggested should you decide to replace the plates and if you are redecorating, it is worth doing as the sockets appear to be discolouring with age.

[JonnyH]

Cheers. I'll have a think and get back to you all with my decision.

Really appreciate all the feedback.