I'm planning to mount a TV flush against the wall, but there are two outlets that protrude, one being a standard outlet and the other a wire cover. Since I won't be using the outlet, I want to know if it's okay to remove the outlet, cap the wires, and leave the hole open. My TV will cover the area completely, but I'm concerned about potential issues since the wires won't be covered by a plate or drywall but will remain accessible in a box. Is this safe?
3 Answers
Technically, you can do it since it's your house, but I wouldn't recommend leaving it open. If your TV is blocking it, you might be okay, but it's better to be cautious and find a way to cover it.
You can cap the wires, but leaving the hole open isn’t the best idea. Consider DIYing a cover. Just grab a piece of thin plastic, cut it to size, and screw it in place. It’s better to have some protection there than nothing at all.
It's definitely better to put a blank faceplate over the outlet instead of leaving it completely open. This adds some fire safety, and honestly, it's worth the minor hassle for the added protection. Plus, even if it makes your TV stick out slightly, at least you'll have peace of mind knowing everything's covered.