Move Socket 2 Feet - Acceptable to Join Cables In Old Wall Box?

[ReganAndCarter]

I need to move a double wall socket 2 feet to the left. Existing socket is on a metal back box sunk into block wall. If I sink a new box for the new socket, can I join the two 2.5 mm ring main cables in the old box using Wago or 32A push in splice connectors to two new lengths of 2.5mm? These two new lengths of 2.5mm will run in a chase horizontally from old box to the new box for new socket. The old box will be retained and covered with a blanking plate for access to connectors if needed.

The socket needs moving because it's in the wrong place behind new tall kitchen cabinets and will interfere with drawers in the cabinet. The socket will be used for fridge and oven.

Just wanted to check what I'm doing is acceptable. Thanks for any help or advice.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/ideal-32a-2-way-push-wire-connectors-100-pack/72727?tc=IT4&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxea5BhBeEiwAh4t5KyKj8sPGXb0SeJhELtAHjOOVK9Ec8MPNuVR0vCtueAkjq5gVg_X2gRoC4NcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[RrogerD]

My electrician did exactly that, although used a Wago box to join everything. I've now plastered over the old box position. You have to be careful though about 'spurs off-of spurs' etc. I'm no electrician and so can't advise. With ours he had to re route some supply cable from the back or something. I didn't really understand it tbh, just asked, "can it be done or not?"

 

[Ragnar_AT]

Sounds absolutely fine if you extend both legs of the ring (assuming it is a ring). If it’s a radial you can just run one single 2.5 T&E to the new socket location.

 

[Murdochcat]

My electrician did exactly that, although used a Wago box to join everything. I've now plastered over the old box position. You have to be careful though about 'spurs off-of spurs' etc. I'm no electrician and so can't advise. With ours he had to re route some supply cable from the back or something. I didn't really understand it tbh, just asked, "can it be done or not?"

Hum. If the cables for the old socket position ran vertically that is the wrong thing to do

 

[Sureitsoff?]

Unless you need a hundred connectors...try Toolstation.

Ideal Industries In-Line Push-In Wire Connectors

With its small size and tool-free application, the SpliceLine® from Ideal Industries is a real time-saver when it comes to connecting wires in a wide range of installations - particularly prefabricated wiring, lighting and ring main circuits.Existing wire cut too short? Space too tight to use a...

www.toolstation.com

 

[RrogerD]

Hum. If the cables for the old socket position ran vertically that is the wrong thing to do

They came in from the back. There is an outbuilding behind that wall. Rather than renewing and extending the whole stretch, he simply addded to it and continued sideways.

 

[Ragnar_AT]

Hum. If the cables for the old socket position ran vertically that is the wrong thing to do

Accessories (in this case the new socket) create a horizontal safe zone, don‘t they? So assuming the blanking plate remains visible, all the cabled should be in safe zones.

 

[pcaouolte]

I've now plastered over the old box position

It appears that the old position is no longer visible. What is creating a safe zone for the vertical cable run to the old position?

 

[pete01]

Accessories (in this case the new socket) create a horizontal safe zone, don‘t they? So assuming the blanking plate remains visible, all the cabled should be in safe zones.

Its plastered over.

 

[RrogerD]

It appears that the old position is no longer visible. What is creating a safe zone for the vertical cable run to the old position?

As above, there is no vertical run. The cables enter from the back and then run sideways.

 

[Ragnar_AT]

Its plastered over.

My bad, I confused that with OP‘s intention to use a blanking plate. Sorry!

 

[ReganAndCarter]

My electrician did exactly that, although used a Wago box to join everything. I've now plastered over the old box position. You have to be careful though about 'spurs off-of spurs' etc. I'm no electrician and so can't advise. With ours he had to re route some supply cable from the back or something. I didn't really understand it tbh, just asked, "can it be done or not?"

Thanks, yes that's identical to what I need to do. Though as the old socket's position will be hidden behind a cabinet, I have the luxury of being able to leave the old box in the wall and just putting a cover plate over it. I'm going to be extending the ring as old socket is on ring - not a spur.

 

[ReganAndCarter]

Sounds absolutely fine if you extend both legs of the ring (assuming it is a ring). If it’s a radial you can just run one single 2.5 T&E to the new socket location.

Thanks for your reply. Old socket is on a ring, so will extend both cables over to new socket position.

 

[ReganAndCarter]

Unless you need a hundred connectors...try Toolstation.

Ideal Industries In-Line Push-In Wire Connectors

With its small size and tool-free application, the SpliceLine® from Ideal Industries is a real time-saver when it comes to connecting wires in a wide range of installations - particularly prefabricated wiring, lighting and ring main circuits.Existing wire cut too short? Space too tight to use a...

www.toolstation.com

Thanks for the recommendation. I saw those but couldn't find a rating for them in the TS description. However, I have since found the manu's product code in the TS description - and upon Googling it is rated at 32 amp. So will get the small pack from TS.

If I bought 100, the remaining 94 would just sit in the garage gathering dust.

 

[ReganAndCarter]

Thanks to all who replied. Wasn't sure what regs and thoughts were about joining ring cables in walls. Suppose that the connectors are in a wall box covered by a plate for future access makes this way of connecting a bit better. Least there won't be any surprises for anyone else drilling into the wall in future.