extending cables for socket

hi

i have got a single unswitched socket in a bedroom and want to change it for a switched, DP, 2 gang socket. however the unswitched sockets seem to have the L and N terminals the opposite way round on the back to the new switched ones. Therefore i need to extend the cables so that i can fit the double socket as the original wiring is just not long enough to jiggle it around!!!

The cable, or cables, 3 of them, (2 are the ring main, 1 is spurred off for the socket immediately below it downstairs) is run under the floor boards, and the up a stud partition wall, to the socket.

My question is can i extend the cables by proper crimp connections and heat shrink tubing and leave them neet under the floor boards, then run up the wall and into the socket with the new cables and into the socket?? Obviously the cables will be the new colours but nothing i can do about that.

does this sound ok?

cheers

yes you can crimp extensions on or just use a jb below although the crimps would be better. don't use 2.5 crimps for the CPC as they require a smaller crimp.
also you should test the final circuit arrangement properly
you also need to label your consumer unit to say there are wires to 2 standards attached to it.

Kevin,

I'm surprised that you would advise the use of 'jb' beneath floor boards, without any further clarification.

To the OP,

Is it possible to renew the legs that you intend to extend?
You could label the install as being mixed wiring types, but it may still be confusing at a later date if it looks like a leg leaves a socket back in Black/Red and arrives at the next in Brown/Blue

To the OP,

Is it possible to renew the legs that you intend to extend?
You could label the install as being mixed wiring types, but it may still be confusing at a later date if it looks like a leg leaves a socket back in Black/Red and arrives at the next in Brown/Blue

Click to expand...

hmm could do but would have to rip up freshly laid carpet which i dont think 'the boss' would be too happy about!!!

what if i crimp the cables and leave them under the floor boards, protected with heat shrink tubing, then extend the cables and sleeve the new brown/blue with red/black sleeving?? if i put the notice on the front of the consumer unit and a list as to which sockets have newer colours, then anyone at a later date would have to go to it to isolate the circuit so would see the notice??? well, in an ideal world anyway!!!!

cheers

If the cables current reach the box (which they must do) then a terminal strip can be used inside the back box subject to space being available.

It's not the pro way to do it, but is acceptable since the created jb is accessable.

A pro would either re-run the cables from the previous socket runs or crimp, single sleeve and then heat shrink over the entire cable as a permanent join under the floor.

A pro would either re-run the cables from the previous socket runs or crimp, single sleeve and then heat shrink over the entire cable as a permanent join under the floor.

Click to expand...

the crimping is what i intend to do. crimp the new cable onto the old, cover he joint completely in heat shrink tubing and leave it as a permanent jopin under the floor. then run the new cables into the socket but sleeve them with the old colours and put a notice on the CU to that effect.