move an electrical socket?

Question

i need to move an electrical socket approx 30cm below where it is now, the cables wont reach! can i extend them & plaster over the joint ( waterproof) or do have to pull them back up the wall & join them under the boards
regards

Answer 1

No, you can't join them and plaster over. Either take them back to where you can joint (Using two 30 amp joint boxes) and extend each to the new position, OR leave the existing point (Box) and extend from there, fitting a blank plate to indicate the presence of a box/joints below.

Answer 2

Sorry, you can't join the cables and conceal the join behind the plaster.

But there are 3 options:

1) Call an electrician

2) You will need to trace the cables back to the junction box/socket or consumer unit (fuse board). When you have found where the cables starts use electrical tape to attach a new cable (2.5mm twin and earth, harmonised/blue and brown) at the socket end to the old cable and then pull the new cable through the wall back to the box/consumer unit. Wire in the new cables and the new socket hopefully 30cm lower down the wall from the original.

3) The lazy option, you could use the old socket and make a spur. Leave the old socket in place, but cover it with a blanking plate. Wire in a new cable to the points inside the old socket and route the cable to where you need to, you must leave the old socket visible.

What ever you do the connection must be accessible, either under the floor boards or in the roof space.

I strongly recommend you follow recommendation 1, by law according to the new electrical regs (IEE regs) you can't do any of the above unless your a qualified sparkie. If in doubt at all get someone in who is qualified.

Good luck.

EDIT:

Judging by you question about the shower, you really should get a an electrician to do the work for you, sorry but I had to be honest, its for your safety and any one living with you.

Answer 3

You can shorten a cable, but not extend it. If it's not long enough you must run a new cable (in the new colours) either from the next socket on the circuit or from a new joint box. Since you had to ask the question, I strongly recommend that you get a qualified electrician to do it for you. If you do it yourself, you will need to get a qualified electrician to commission it for you - and that won't be much cheaper than getting him to do it.

Answer 4

1

Answer 5

Ignore the US guessers. They don't know the rest of the world has electricity and that US wiring rules and methods do not apply. Most of them don't even seem to understand US wiring much less yours.

Answer 6

Ha! Everyone above me is wrong!

Yes, you can do this. Less than a year ago, a company made a romex (trade name for NMB, the wire in houses) splice that is UL listed for in-wall installation. Yes, that means covered!!!

You can buy it at any electrical supplier (check a wholesale house first like Platt, Eoff, Northcoast, CED) and it comes with instructions.

Of course, only work on a circuit with the power turned OFF!

Answer 7

"All connections must be accessable"

You will have to pull them into the floorboards and make the connections there im afraid, u will need 2x 45a junction boxes and about 6m of 2.5mm twin and earth to do this

Answer 8

But it would be nicer, if you can put a new cable and connect it to the main board, which is a proper way to do this thing. Otherwise, just make a joint using proper plastic connector and plaster it.....who gona come to check?

Answer 9

It is against the code to conceal a junction box.

Answer 10

Under new regulations if you are not a qualified electrician you are not allowed to do this even in your own home...You must employ a certified person or company to do it for you.