Disconnecting electric oven?
Question:hi, i disconnected a hard wired electric oven by simply turning mains of, taking cover off thewall, unloosening screws and removing the 3 wires, tightening screws then replacing cover.
is this safe? because i wont be replacing the oven.
Answers:
If you are talking about the wires inside the wall that go back to the breaker box, you should as a minimum tape over the ends. If you have wire nuts available, then I would cut back the end of the wire to the insulation, and then put the wire nut over the end and tape it in place with electrical tape. This prevents accidental exposure to the wire should it become energized in the future. The thing to keep in mind.you won't live in the house forever, and you don't want to leave a trap for someone else that could cause injury.
Totally safe .. as safe as when it was connected in fact. If you can fit a blanking plate, so much the better. But like all live electrical points, there should be no physical damage to the cover and backbox, nor should water get access nor the fingers of children.
I assume that when you say you are removing the three wires, you are refering to the wires which are part of the wall oven. When you disconnect these wires you need to install electrical wire nuts on the ends of the supply wires which remain in the box. Also, in the circuit breaker or fuse panel which supplies power to the oven, you should disconnect the supply wires to the oven.
I think that you need to put that black vinyl electrical insulating tape over the exposed ends of the supply wires while the mains are off. Then put the cover back on.
the first thing you do is flip the breaker or pull the fuse
Yes it is!
I suggest covering the ends totally with black electrical tape before you close the box. Leave the breaker off (The oven should have an exclusive breaker) and mark it indicate that it is off for a reason.
I would disconnect the 220 wires from the breaker just to be safe or put wire nuts on the 2 hot wires and tape ( the hot wires should be black and red??)
if this is the only unit connected to the breaker, i would disconnect the wires at the breaker. if you just tape the wires on the oven end, it will still leave hot wires there. not a good idea. ok, but not a good idea. however, if there is something else hooked to that circuit, then you have no choice but to wire nut them plus some electrical tape over those also. and closed inside a box is better yet. along with the nuts and tape. just be completely safe.
As long as there are no loose wire in the wall cavity you will be OK.
I presume you disconnected the wires going TO the cooker and left the other ones under their screws. that should be OK.
I suggest you pull the fuse or circuit breaker in the supply box and leave a note with it as to where it came from. Put it in a poly bag for example and tie it next to the box. This will stop someone opening the cooker connection box and getting a shock. Note in there too?
RoyS
Doesnt sound any worse that the stuff I come across every week. Just ensure that the position of the outlet remains known so some DIY-er doesnt drill into the cable.
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