Multiple Phone Sockets - only one activated

Rivergreen

Hello all.

I've recently moved into a new-build flat and have just had a BT line connected. They didn't actually need to come into the flat for some reason so I didn't get to ask the engineer about the other sockets.

There is one in the lounge, two in one bedroom and one in the other, only one of them has been activated though. (Assuming they are all for phones? They all look like they are!!)

How easy would it be for me to connect the one in the lounge so I can plug a broadband modem into it? And if possible please could you post any links that explain how to do this.

Failing that, how much would I be looking at paying someone to connect one for me?

Thanks for your time

macman

They didn't come to your flat because if the line and master socket are already physically there, then all they do is reconnect you at the exchange. Extension sockets don't need to be 'activated'; if they are properly connected to the master socket then they will work.
The fact that there are two extensions in one bedroom makes me think that maybe there is another line in the property, as well as the one that has been reconnected. Any extensions connected to this line obviously won't work. Just trace the wiring back from each extension and see whether they all terminate back at the same master socket.
If you have 2 master sockets (easy to ID because the faceplate is split in half horizontally), then you have 2 lines.
Once you've worked out what goes where, open them up and check the wiring is connected-there's only 2 wires that need connecting on each, so not too taxing to do.

Rivergreen

Bit confusing really..

It is a brand new building so it's the first time any of the lines has been connected. Would they put two lines in a new property? I assumed not (but I don't know much about this)

I think there was only one master socket, I am not at home at the moment so I will go and check....

macman

Sorry, I missed the 'new build' bit. Unlikely to be 2 lines then. Assuming they're all phone points, it looks like the builders have failed to connect it all up properly, so get them out to fix it.
Don't call BT out, because anything downstream of the master socket is your wiring, not theirs, so they'll charge you a minimum of £122 call out.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

are you sure the other sockets are not for computers?

Rivergreen

1984ReturnsForReal wrote: »

are you sure the other sockets are not for computers?

Not sure at all to be honest... they all look like phone sockets. But there is one right next to the definite phone socket so it would make sense if they weren't!

Is it likely that the only phone socket would be in the small bedroom? How can I tell if they are phone or computer sockets? Sorry for being thick!

macman

Rivergreen wrote: »

Not sure at all to be honest... they all look like phone sockets. But there is one right next to the definite phone socket so it would make sense if they weren't!

Is it likely that the only phone socket would be in the small bedroom? How can I tell if they are phone or computer sockets? Sorry for being thick!

Well you could start by plugging a phone in...an ethernet cable will not fit in a phone socket.
They could also be cable TV etc-but just look to see what is marked on them.
Master socket is likely to be nearest the front door or BT line entry point from the street.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

Rivergreen wrote: »

Not sure at all to be honest... they all look like phone sockets. But there is one right next to the definite phone socket so it would make sense if they weren't!

Is it likely that the only phone socket would be in the small bedroom? How can I tell if they are phone or computer sockets? Sorry for being thick!

Do as Macman says.

They LOOK exactly the same apart from the hole is a different shape. A phone will not fit in the PCs & the other way around.

If its a new flat its likely to be for a PC cable.

Rivergreen

Hmmm. The phone fits in all of them, just doesn't have a dial tone (except for the main one). The area I'm in is a new development and doesn't have cable tv so I know it isn't for that... any other ideas?!

Thanks for all the replies

shark_2

Had a similar situation in a new-build house, the BT linebox with the logo on front was already connected at the exchange with a dial-tone, but the electrician who installed the wiring had to activate each extension socket ; i believe there are two small coloured wires to be connected behind each faceplate.

aldouk

When checking the sockets you CAN tell the master socket if it's one of the newer types because (as said before) they are split horizontaly BUT ...
The older style sockets look the same from the outside and the only way to tell is to open them up.
Undo the 2 (usually) screws on the front and look to see whether all the components are present. From what I remember the slave (extension) sockets simply had a capacitor and a resistor removed but the master has them in place.Try not to pull on the wires when checking.


Quote .. If you have 2 master sockets (easy to ID because the faceplate is split in half horizontally), then you have 2 lines .. quote