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Openreach box, how to check whether obsolete and remove

MisterNick
Posts: 1,293 Forumite


Hi
I'm looking for some advice on an Openreach box in our hall. We are fairly sure that it was decommissioned some years ago and the line brought in through the sitting room.
One of the wires coming out of it goes through to the lounge and the other (we think) through the outside wall. Can't see where it comes out externally due to the wall covering.
We would like to remove the facing plate and wires, and fill and it if it is not functional.
How can we check whether it is required? Do we need Open reach to remove?
Many thanks, and if more pictures help, please let me know

I'm looking for some advice on an Openreach box in our hall. We are fairly sure that it was decommissioned some years ago and the line brought in through the sitting room.
One of the wires coming out of it goes through to the lounge and the other (we think) through the outside wall. Can't see where it comes out externally due to the wall covering.
We would like to remove the facing plate and wires, and fill and it if it is not functional.
How can we check whether it is required? Do we need Open reach to remove?
Many thanks, and if more pictures help, please let me know

0
Comments
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Hi,if you have a land line phone just plug it in see if you get a dial tone.2
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MisterNick said:Hi
I'm looking for some advice on an Openreach box in our hall. We are fairly sure that it was decommissioned some years ago and the line brought in through the sitting room....
How can we check whether it is required? Do we need Open reach to remove?
Legally, if that box is a 'master' socket (it probably is) then you have to ask Openreach to remove it.... for which there is likely to be a charge.
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Section62 said: Legally, if that box is a 'master' socket (it probably is) then you have to should ask Openreach to remove it.... for which there is likely to be a charge.Had an old BT master socket in my hallway. The wires got cut accidentally a while back, and I removed the box completely last year. Current phone line is served by VOIP via broadband, so the master socket is redundant. And as BT (OpenReach) are phasing out copper connections, it is highly unlikely that the box would ever be used again.If the OP still has an active line, the socket in the sitting room is possibly spurred off the master. Follow the wires to confirm.Her courage will change the world.
Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.2 -
Do you have a multimeter, Nick? And do you know how to use it?
What's the landline voltage - around 50V or so? Enough for a tingle.1 -
ThisIsWeird said:Do you have a multimeter, Nick? And do you know how to use it?
What's the landline voltage - around 50V or so? Enough for a tingle.
Forget the multimeter unless you know how to use one and know what you're looking for.Signature on holiday for two weeks3 -
Mutton_Geoff said:A simpler way is to undo the two screws and remove the faceplate (with socket).1
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@MisterNick
Assuming that your service is with BT and your are not on Digital Voice try.
At your socket fed through the living room do Line Test by dialing 17070
Then move phone to socket in photo and try there.
If you are on DV you will not get dial tone at socket.2 -
ThisIsWeird said:Mutton_Geoff said:A simpler way is to undo the two screws and remove the faceplate (with socket).
Until the front is off, you wouldn't know.Signature on holiday for two weeks2 -
Many thanks for all of your replys.
I will work through them and update. May need to wait until weekend though2
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