Moving a socket

chateauneufdupape

I need to move a double socket from one wall to the opposite wall as the existing socket will be covered by fitted units. The existing socket has a single wire coming into it which appears to come up through the wall. I propose to take the cable from the new socket under the floorboards and wire into the existing socket. Then use a blanking plate on the existing socket. Is this acceptable and do I need to have it checked by an electrician?

BaileyB

If it's only one cable (3 wires) then it could be a spur off a ring circuit or a redial. You need to know for sure which you have.

Where is this?

chateauneufdupape

The socket is in a bedroom. There is only one cable with three wires, so presumed that it was a spur.

chateauneufdupape

How can I determine if it is a spur or the last socket on a radial circuit?

27col

I cannot see that it makes any difference whether the socket is on a radial circuit or a spur. Basically all you are doing is to extend the length of the cable. Using a terminal block inside the existing box and a blanking plate will work perfectly well. Just make sure that you tighten the screws in the terminal block tightly. Radial circuits in domestic installations are still pretty rare I think.

raymond

chateauneufdupape wrote: »

How can I determine if it is a spur or the last socket on a radial circuit?

If you can trace the wire going to the socket, then you should find its connected to another socket with 3 cables if its a spur.

If possible I would recommend doing this and replacing that cable with a new bit to the new socket rather than using a connector block, but if you do use a connector block then put it behind the blanking plate and NOT under the floor boards.

I would also stick a note on a bit of paper inside the new socket box to let anyone know in the future what you have done.

If the cable is grey pvc with red and black pvc insulated wires and an uninsulated copper earth then its unlikely to be an old radial socket if its any other type of cable and/or the house is old then seek advice.

danechip

I would say it is a spur as sockets should be wired in a ring (ring main). Radials are generally used for lighting circuits.If you are lifting floorboards anyway, just disconnect this totally and run a cable from the existing spur under the floor to the new socket.

chateauneufdupape

Thanks for the replies. The problem I have is that the cable disappears into the wall. I have had the floorboards up on both sides of the wall and can not see where it goes, so can't chase it back. The cable is pvc with red and black pvc insulated wires and an uninsulated copper earth.

Unless anybody has any other advise, I will do the following.

1) Run a cable from the new socket under the floor boards into the back box.
2) Use a terminal block inside the existing back box (making sure the connections are tight and leaving a note).
3) Cover with a blanking plate.

Debt_Free_Chick

chateauneufdupape wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. The problem I have is that the cable disappears into the wall. I have had the floorboards up on both sides of the wall and can not see where it goes, so can't chase it back.

It probably goes straight up and then across the ceiling/loft floor. Worth having a look in the loft

Not sure if that will tell you what you need to know.

chateauneufdupape

Will have a look.

raymond

chateauneufdupape wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. The problem I have is that the cable disappears into the wall. I have had the floorboards up on both sides of the wall and can not see where it goes, so can't chase it back. The cable is pvc with red and black pvc insulated wires and an uninsulated copper earth.

Unless anybody has any other advise, I will do the following.

1) Run a cable from the new socket under the floor boards into the back box.
2) Use a terminal block inside the existing back box (making sure the connections are tight and leaving a note).
3) Cover with a blanking plate.

The easiest way might be to remove other sockets one at a time until you find one with 3 cables. Just in case some idiot wired it from a lighting circuit ... you never know what some bodgers will do.