When stripping wallpaper it is very important that great care is taken when working near any electric power points or light switches, as water may penetrate the electric sockets, either through splashing, condensation or run moisture running down the wall surface.

I highly recommend both Isolating Electric Power Points and Light Switches at the consumer unit or shielding them up as described below on this page.

This method of protecting the sockets and switches is effective but must be completed be any stripping work has commenced as the waterproof duct tape may not effectively adhere.

Shielding Power Points and Switches when Stripping Wallpaper.

Do not loosen Power Points or Light Switches until you need to; they are best left firmly attached to the wall surface for as long as possible.  Fig: 1.

Apply a strips of waterproof duct tape both above and to the sides of the socket and press firmly down. Fig: 2.  

Secure a plastic carrier bag or a piece of undamaged polythene sheeting to a second piece of tape and place over the socket and adhere to the tape on the wall as shown in. Fig: 3.

If you are wet or steam stripping it can be beneficial to stick a third piece of tape onto the wall above the shielded socket leaving its bottom edge lose and raised from the surface, this piece will act as a drip line further protecting the socket.

Leave the power points fully shielded until all the stripping process elsewhere has been complete, only then remove shielding, loosen the sockets and dry strip the remaining wallpaper being careful not to slide the scrapper behind the power point, and then tighten socket screws.

Remember you must always keep all the electrical power points and light sockets dry even if they have been isolated from their power source, protect yourself and others from the risk of receiving an potentially life threatening  electric shock  by always  working safely.