Knocking through a wall that has multiple sockets, do I have any options?

[Tog-]

I have received fantastic assistance from this forum in the past and so I have returned again for more of your wise guidance.

We are knocking through a load bearing wall and there are multiple power sockets that will be removed. I could relocate one of the sockets, but the others would need to be completely removed.

Are there any DIY options to this? Or is the only option to get an electrician?

My limited understanding is that if the sockets were removed and the wiring joined together in the ceiling, access panels would need to be in place for inspection/maintenance further down the line. Is there any kind of permanent joining that is then permitted to be sealed in?

Any input will be gratefully received.

 

[pete01]

Yes these are good....

https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/4304018-32a-3-terminal-17th-edition-junction-box-white

 

[pete01]

Or these look pretty good, never used one though....

https://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/5317566-24a-4-way-splitter-maintenance-free

 

[Tog-]

Thank you Pete, so is it that simple. Purchase a maintenance free connector block, cut the cables and join them in the box, then seal away in the ceiling.

Obviously disconnecting power etc before any work begins.

 

[jj4091]

Maintenance free junction boxes

 

[pete01]

Yes if you can find the 2 incoming cables join them together and get rid of whatever was inbetween...

Whichever box you use read the instructions, some have different options to be maintenance free like, using a cable tie or being fixed etc...

 

[Tog-]

Thanks again Pete, and JJ.
I always over complicate/ over think these things, which in reality when "fiddling" with electrics isn't a bad thing, but you would have thought I would have managed to Google something that would have resulted in maintenance free junction boxes coming up

 

[EFLImpudence]

Is there any kind of permanent joining that is then permitted to be sealed in?

Solder - done properly.

 

[Tog-]

I did consider this and covering the join with heat shrink, but wasn't sure on whether that would have any issues with regulations.
If I was to do a poor job of soldering the wires or something it could lead to issues.

 

[Murdochcat]

And don’t forget to check the continuity of the conductors before and after

 

[Tog-]

And don’t forget to check the continuity of the conductors before and after

Before, to prove it is as suspected, part of the ring?

After, to make sure I haven't made any connection errors?

Or for other reasons that indicate I shouldn't be doing it?

 

[Murdochcat]

Before, to prove it is as suspected, part of the ring?

After, to make sure I haven't made any connection errors?

Or for other reasons that indicate I shouldn't be doing it?

Yes

 

[EFLImpudence]

If I was to do a poor job of soldering the wires or something it could lead to issues.

Well - yes but so could doing a poor job with anything.

 

[morqthana]

Yes if you can find the 2 incoming cables join them together and get rid of whatever was inbetween...

Or find the other ends of those 2 cables, and replace with 1 continuous cable and no junction boxes.

 

[pete01]

Or find the other ends of those 2 cables, and replace with 1 continuous cable and no junction boxes.

Yes that's a better idea.