joining wire question

[vik2001]

i have been re-wiring the power sockets in my room. its on a upstairs ring main.
the two cable feeds(2.5) coming into the room wasnt long enough, so i joined the wires using plastic connector blocks (the ones with the screw on top), and then taped them around with red tape to cover them.
is this ok? i havnt used junction boxes...

 

[RF Lighting]

No it is not ok.

I think you know this yourself, otherwise you would not have asked the question.

You should have as a minimum used junction boxes, but even these are not suitable if the joint is to be concealed such as under the floor.

 

[vik2001]

so as the wires are under a floor, what should i do??

can i ask why using the plastic connector blocks are not safe???

 

[GaryMo]

They're not in a suitable enclosure nor accessible for inspection.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

(the ones with the screw on top)

Which are available in a wide range of current ratings.

Which rating did you plump for?

 

[EdwardCurrent]

Hello Vik2001.

It is suggested that vibration can cause these 'screwed' connections to loosen over time.
You may be best off using crimp lugs, heat shrink and an enclosure in this instance, however you will need ratchet crimps and a heat gun to to do this.(probably not tools the average DIY'er will have).

You have not mentioned the testing of the circuit ??. It is always important to test circuits if they have been altered.

I hope this is of some help.

Ed.

 

[olly_k]

Always wanted to know this, are you allowed to solder the wires?

 

[disinfo]

Always wanted to know this, are you allowed to solder the wires?

 

[EdwardCurrent]

526.2
So long as you allow for temperature rise under fault conditions, mechanical stress, and 'creep', then soldered connections are allowed.

However, personally I prefer to use crimps if a cable must be joined. You can get a 'feel' for a good, sound connection.
Vik
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/DVDHCR15.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CTBUTTslashB.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CTBUTTslashR.html
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CHOCBOX.html

(And of course, test meters and the competence to use them )


Ed.