Replacing external BT cable

ash1212002 · 16 May 2020

Can anyone please advise the type of cable I require to replace the external black BT telephone cable, the cable goes into the master socket

The has cable has been cut outside, looking above the property the black cable goes into a junction box BT66 i think it is? where another wire then goes out of the junction box to the telegraph pole

Should i repair the break? or replace the wire from the junction box?

OwainDIYer · 16 May 2020

Whistles nonchalantly ... CW1411 Dropwire 10B and a Dexseal box or run back to the BT66

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-...xternal-Enclosure-Kit-Waterproof/252801950816

https://telecomgreen.co.uk/home-phone-repair/the-secret-life-of-bt-dropwire-telephone-cable/

Can't see anywhere that sells Dropwire 10 in less than 10metre coils.

You should also use a Sleeve Protection 2A over the ends of the Dropwire 10B to stop the steel reinforcing sharp ends hurting you.

ash1212002 · 17 May 2020

OwainDIYer said:
Whistles nonchalantly ... CW1411 Dropwire 10B and a Dexseal box or run back to the BT66

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-...xternal-Enclosure-Kit-Waterproof/252801950816

https://telecomgreen.co.uk/home-phone-repair/the-secret-life-of-bt-dropwire-telephone-cable/

Can't see anywhere that sells Dropwire 10 in less than 10metre coils.

You should also use a Sleeve Protection 2A over the ends of the Dropwire 10B to stop the steel reinforcing sharp ends hurting you.

Rather than repair the cable, I'll just replace it from the junction box.

What type of connectors do i need to make the connections at the junction box?

Before I realised the cable was damaged, i called BT explaining we'll be moving to the property in a couple of weeks, they checked the line stating it was active and there would be no need for an engineer visit to the property. BT advised the engineer will only need to do what he needs to do at the exchange unit

Given that the wire is damaged, assuming it is that, would it still show as active on their end?

Are there any checks I can do to ensure for certainty that the damaged cable is in fact the BT line cable?

If i plug in the telephone should i expect a dial tone? Our transfer to the new property will be in a couple of weeks time, so I'm thinking the dial tone will only be present then? Or I'm I wrong?

bernardgreen · 17 May 2020

ash1212002 said:
Given that the wire is damaged, assuming it is that, would it still show as active on their end?

Yes

They said the line was "working" Get them to repair the damage.

ash1212002 · 17 May 2020

bernardgreen said:
Yes

They said the line was "working" Get them to repair the damage.

I don't want to take any risks should they decide to charge hence why I'm looking to do the repair myself. Also they did mention if someone needs to come out then there could be further delays due to Covid19

I can't afford any delays as I need broadband for work etc

bernardgreen · 17 May 2020

Hi Ash

I have sent you a private message. Look in your inbox

ash1212002 · 17 May 2020

bernardgreen said:
Hi Ash

I have sent you a private message. Look in your inbox

Thanks, I'll wait to see what happens on the activation date if any issues arise will contact them

ash1212002 · 17 May 2020

I've stripped the drop wire cable and opened up the master socket, the connection at A and B which are blue white stripes and white blue stripes however what's thrown me is that the drop cable there is no blue cable! i can see

Orange
Green
Black
White
Yellow

bernardgreen · 17 May 2020

Drop cable

White and Orange are the first pair ( line ) ( probably the pair for your line )
Green and Black are the second pair.

Yellow are steel strands used to give mechanical strength to the cable
BEWARE when cut these steel strand have very sharp points and can cause serious wounds

SpecialK · 17 May 2020

Did BT actually test the line? Normally the test looks for the master socket! Perhaps get them to try again? Maybe its not the correct phone number / entry cable?

ash1212002 · 17 May 2020

SpecialK said:
Did BT actually test the line? Normally the test looks for the master socket! Perhaps get them to try again? Maybe its not the correct phone number / entry cable?

The cable from the pole to the black BT16A junction box is ok, its the secondary drop cable from the junction box which then goes to the back of the master socket which is cut from the outside

When i called them to advise I'm moving they said the line appears to be active and an engineer will not need to visit the property, whatever they need to do will be done at the exchange box

SpecialK · 17 May 2020

When BT remote test the phone line they look for the master socket. If none is found the phone line test fails as it cannot see the capacitor(?) in the master socket.
Just wondering how BT "tested" the line?

ash1212002 · 17 May 2020

SpecialK said:
When BT remote test the phone line they look for the master socket. If none is found the phone line test fails as it cannot see the capacitor(?) in the master socket.
Just wondering how BT "tested" the line?

No idea! That's why I'm baffled, I'll call them tomorrow and report back

ash1212002 · 18 May 2020

SpecialK said:
When BT remote test the phone line they look for the master socket. If none is found the phone line test fails as it cannot see the capacitor(?) in the master socket.
Just wondering how BT "tested" the line?

Called BT this morning regarding the so called check all they can confirm is that there is a line with a master socket present showing on their database. They have not done any test on the line, whether this is possible I'm not sure?

The engineer will visit on the day and if there is an issue they'll call me

The existing drop wire is long enough to enter the property but the master socket is further away so it won't reach. I may just re-position the master socket closer and make the connection to the drop wire

SpecialK · 18 May 2020

I would - then when they reconnect they can test it from the exchange and potentially not have to visit!

ash1212002 said:
Called BT this morning regarding the so called check all they can confirm is that there is a line with a master socket present showing on their database. They have not done any test on the line, whether this is possible I'm not sure?

The engineer will visit on the day and if there is an issue they'll call me

The existing drop wire is long enough to enter the property but the master socket is further away so it won't reach. I may just re-position the master socket closer and make the connection to the drop wire

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

Replacing external BT cable

Similar threads