Junction box for moving socket

[chilluk]

I need to move a double socket in my kitchen as we are changing the layout and a tall radiator will be going directly over where it is currently.

I want to move the socket about 2 metres to the left of its current position.

Existing socket is on the ring, so in my head the plan is to use a junction box to reconnect the ring, and then spur from that to the new socket position.

Walls are dot and dab so there is a void I can route the cable through.

Ideally I want to do the connections in the space of the existing socket backbox, and then cover the hole with plasterboard and skim.

So I'm looking for a decent quality 32a junction box that will fit snugly in that hole, and be safe and secure.

When I search I get a lot of the circular jbs come up,or wago type boxes which seem flimsy. Of course they may be fine.

So just after advice on what jb would work best, and of course if my plan is fatally flawed.

Thanks

 

[pete01]

If the existing cables come from above or below to the socket then you can't spur to the left and cover over the connections, the cables need to be in the correct zones.

You could join them and fit a blank plate? I know you probably don't want that.

 

[pete01]

 

[davelx]

I'd say that a junction box behind a radiator is not accessible so it needs to be a maintenance free JB. I've never seen any that will fit in a 2-gang backbox

 

[chilluk]

Thanks both.

I don't mind fitting a blanking plate actually, it's a column radiator so won't see much behind it, amd the wall will be white anyway.

Regarding zones I can run up the wall, across and then down again. A bit of the ceiling is down anyway near the area I want to move it to.

So really looking for recommendations for the jb itself that can fit inside a blanked off metal backbox?

 

[boringoldcodger]

I can run up the wall, across and then down again.

I don't believe that is OK because your blanking plate will not be visible and so there won't be a safe zone above it.

 

[pete01]

If the ceiling is down pull the cables up and jb there or even better replace the 2 legs altogether, 1 might be long enough to reach the new socket position.

 

[pete01]

These is the best junction box in my opinion.

 

[chilluk]

Actually that is a great shout about pulling the cables - removes them completely out of the way of the rad.

Thanks for the suggestion of the JB - ordered!

 

[nero44]

I've purchased Hager as well for a severed cable, but they are quite large. End up using a QuickWire JB, which is very space efficient and MF. See right picture here.

 

[Scally-Ho]

@nero44 I'm with you regarding Quickwire which are very good time saving with metric solid cables, but for older existing imperial cable installations that are still in good serviceable condition, QW push-on connectors are not viable with imperial stranded conductors. Or have I misunderstood the installation guide and advertising blurb?

 

[Ragnar_AT]

The instructions clearly say solid conductors (class 1) only, so you‘re absolutely correct.

 

[morqthana]

I'd say that a junction box behind a radiator is not accessible so it needs to be a maintenance free JB. I've never seen any that will fit in a 2-gang backbox

Can't he just use those little lever connectors inside the backbox?

 

[Ragnar_AT]

Can't he just use those little lever connectors inside the backbox?

As far as I know you need the appropriate enclosure for the connections to be considered maintenance-free.

 

[flameport]

I don't believe that is OK because your blanking plate will not be visible and so there won't be a safe zone above it.

To create a zone, the wiring has to be connected to the accessory. A blank plate has no connections for wiring so doesn't create any zones.