Moving a plug socket

[fernando]

I want to move a plug socket a metre up the wall. Because of the way the cable runs it obviously won't reach.

I will need to join the cable to run to the new plug, I won't be adding a plug just replacing the one I have.

Unless it is simple I don't plan to do myself, but always find it handy to know how it is done.

I plan to have a blacking plate over the existing socket. Could a chockbox/junction box or similar be used and housed behind the blanking plate or is there an alternative method.

thanks

 

[rjm2k]

That's one way, the other is to trace the cable back to its origin and replace with a longer cable. If it's a ring, there will be 2 cables to replace. Oh, it's a socket by the way, a plug is the thing that plugs into it. If you call it a plug socket when getting a sparky to do it they'll probably charge twice as much for a laugh.

 

[fernando]

yes good point re plug and socket.

it seems this is simpler to do than i thought.

thanks,

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Does the socket circuit have RCD protection?

 

[fernando]

I believe so if this is built into the 17th edition consumer unit box which we had fitted 6 months ago.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If it was done in compliance with the Wiring Regulations it will.

But after 6 months you should have tested the RCDs at least once, so really you should know whether you have them....

 

[JohnW2]

But after 6 months you should have tested the RCDs at least once, so really you should know whether you have them....

In passing, I have a 'family problem'! After the recent incident (per thread at the time) when the RCD blew up and spewed out black soot/smoke when she dutiously pressed the button to test it, my daughter has now sworn that she will 'never touch that sort of button again'! I've tried reassuring her that what she experienced is extremely rare, and is most unlikely to happen to her for a second time, but she's far from convinced!

Kind Regards, John

 

[plugwash]

And then there is the other "family problem" of various family members owning equipment that requires manual resetting to some greater* or lesser extent after power loss making testing RCDs a highly annoying processes.

* Especially annoying are TV recorder boxes that lose their recording schedule after power loss.