Help with spur socket in newly bought house - can I use it?

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Hi there,

I just moved into a new house and I'm assessing the positions/availability of different sockets in the different rooms. In the living room I found the box you can see in the attached picture and when I opened it I found a wiring that suggests to me that this is an unused spur? Could I just use this for a new double plug socket? I have some experience with adding new sockets, but I'm wondering why the previous owner would have not done this already, hence I'm asking you if I'm missing something obvious here.

Many thanks for your help!
 

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You need to check if the wires are live and if so where they are fed from. Also what size is the cable.
 
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perhaps the previous owner removed the socket because it was in the way of a piece of furniture??
 
They might be live BUT what about earth, Zs and IR
 
I noted when I moved in here a number of disconnected sockets and lights, I will guess the last owner did them as DIY and did not want to be responsible for the work.

I find it harder to recommission than to fit new, as one needs to sign the minor works to say it is OK, but have not got a clue really why it was decommissioned in the first place, and also what else it may make live, although not it this case as already live.

Red, black so old wiring, likely put in at a time when no one bothered with minor works or installation certificates, and even with a modern home, it some times says how many points served, but not all the time. But what does the EICR you commissioned say, does it give you any clues?
 
Thanks everyone for the suggestion - I'll ask an electrician to help with this and other matters in the house then - better safe than sorry!
 
One test you could try is to turn the power off and check if you have continuity between the CPC in the socket and a light switch.
 

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