Socket too low but cable to short to move.

[rezarf]

So in my Mum's house she has a double socket which is too low and wants it moved higher.

But the cable won't stretch.



The original socket was one that had a cover at the bottom which fitted alongside the skirting.

Can I extend the cable and fit a new socket unit higher up the wall?

 

[OwainDIYer]

Probably the original was a Crabtree 9049 skirting box.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Crabtree-...rting-Back-Box-1-Gang-32mm-Deep-/160934034970
You could replace the existing socket with that and a blanking plate, and extend both the cables up separately to a new socket, so keeping the new socket on the ring.

 

[Jackrae]

Or you could always turn the socket upside down. Yes it is a cr4p idea but it'll solve the problem of trying to get the plug inserted

 

[rezarf]

Probably the original was a Crabtree 9049 skirting box.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Crabtree-...rting-Back-Box-1-Gang-32mm-Deep-/160934034970
You could replace the existing socket with that and a blanking plate, and extend both the cables up separately to a new socket, so keeping the new socket on the ring.

Thanks so is it OK to extend the wires ? Do I just use a block and the same type of wire?

 

[rezarf]

Or you could always turn the socket upside down. Yes it is a cr4p idea but it'll solve the problem of trying to get the plug inserted

Thanks but I think my mum wants something better looking. But never thought about turning upside down.

 

[OwainDIYer]

Thanks so is it OK to extend the wires ? Do I just use a block and the same type of wire?

30A terminal block
2.5mm cable
green/yellow sleeving for the earth
some plastic minitrunking to make it all nice and neat

 

[EFLImpudence]

, and extend both the cables up separately to a new socket, so keeping the new socket on the ring.

That's not really necessary. One cable from connectors to socket will suffice, i.e. three conductors in each L and N connector.
All earths must be connected, i.e. three wires in existing box then the new socket and box(if metal).

 

[rezarf]

Thanks guys will get this sorted over the weekend.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

You could replace the existing socket with that and a blanking plate, and extend both the cables up separately to a new socket, so keeping the new socket on the ring.

A blanking plate is unnecessary - the socket above will create a cable zone, so a maintenance free JB could be put into that cavity and the skirting board made good.

The best way to do it though is to avoid even MF joints, get access to the cables under the floor, and replace the cables to/from the adjacent sockets.

 

[rezarf]

I got the socket fixed and moved up.

I used the 30a block and extended the wire. I fitted a dry wall back box so I could flush fit the socket.

I would have been great to replace the whole wire from the nearest socket but that a job for another day.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[sparkwright]

Photos of the new work?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yeah, we like pickies!!

 

[Bigallynch]

Hello all,

Dont post often but stumbled upon this, just now, and felt compelled to pipe up.
Not sure if I agree with the advice given. When the OP extends the wires how does he know that the earth wire is actually connected to earth and is it fit for the job. Then his mother electrocutes herself plugging in a faulty appliance.

 

[EFLImpudence]

That is a good point and will apply to nearly every thread - quite often it is mentioned.
Should we have a list of tests under every post.

Not sure which bits of advice you disagree with nor which bits would cause that if it is not the case now.

Why did you not just point out that the earthing should be verified?

 

[Taylortwocities]

It's OK, he's from "foreign parts"