I have an outlet in my floor that I don't often use. I don't want to completely remove it but it is ugly and I would like to cover it with a rug. I worry though, about that being a fire hazard. Is there something I can safely cover the outlet with before I put down the rug?

Thanks!

The problem with covering electrical wires with a carpet lies in trapped heat which is generated by current flow. This only exists if you have a device plugged in. Without that, there is no current flow, and thus no heat generated so you should be safe to cover.


Morrowrj

So you are saying your outlet is actually in the floor surface, right. I don't like this kind of installation but I've seen them. Dirt and spills can get into a floor outlet, both a no-no. You can remove the recptacle and cap the wires with wire nuts and electric tape. Cover with a steel outlet cover plate. This covers the box and will deflect dirt and liquids. There you just made a new junction box.

How about using a couple of those plastic child safety plugs for the outlet - they may not be waterproof, but they would protect the sockets from dust and dirt.

Those are better than carpet or nothing at all but removing the recptacle is much safer.