Help Extending Cables to Relocate Sockets and Swtches
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SeanRocks
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Help Extending Cables to Relocate Sockets and Swtches

by SeanRocks » Thu Jul 14, 2016 12:09 pm

Hi

I have knocked down a dry wall that housed some plug sockets and light switches. These will be relocated to a nearby existing wall. The problem is that the cables are about 0.5m too short as they are. Hence need extending.

Based on the wiring as shown in the pictures, the plug socket is on a ring. So I think I will need to extend both cables that make up the ring into this socket. Would it be acceptable to use these own their own to extend the wires: http://www.screwfix.com/p/ideal-spliceline-in-line-wire-connectors-pack-of-100/72727. If not, them I am thinking of using WagoBoxes with these http://www.screwfix.com/p/2-way-lever-connector-222-series-pack-of-50/97689. Please let me know if the former is acceptable and can be burried behind plaster or if I need to find a way to hide the WagoBox behind plasterboards.

Also, for the ring wire, would 1.5mm^2 T&E be suitable? What is the difference between T&E like this http://www.screwfix.com/p/prysmian-6242yh-twin-earth-cable-1-5mm-x-10m-grey/87315 and this http://www.screwfix.com/p/time-heat-resistant-flexible-cable-3183tq-3-core-1-5mm-x-50m-white/58985? My assumption is that the former is flat and hence easier to conceal in certain applications. In addition, the former would require that the Earth conductor would need to be covered at the end with yellow/green sleeving eg. http://www.screwfix.com/p/pvc-sleeving-3mm-x-100m-green-yellow/18132. Please confirm.

One of the light switches has another switch upstairs controlling the same light. The other light switch is independant (ie. no other switches controlling the same light).

Will the same 1.5mm^2 T&E cable be suitable for the lighting circuit as for the plug socket? Again, are the SPLICELINE connectors ok or do I have to go with WagoBoxes?

Of course, I will have a qualified sparky sign off on the work.

Thanks in advance. Sorry I have not provided more pictures to illustrate better - I was at the mercy of my plasterer and took what I could get.

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kbrownie
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Re: Help Extending Cables to Relocate Sockets and Swtches

by kbrownie » Thu Jul 14, 2016 9:40 pm

If you are extending/altering circuits, routing cables in wall and floors, there are a number of regulations you need to comply to.
* The use of safe permitted cable zones
* A knowledge of the regulation concerning notching and holing joists
* The requirement of 30mA RCD protection
* The use of maintenance free joints, where joints are made inaccessible locations

The cable used to extend a ring final circuit, when using flat twin and earth cable cannot be less than 2.5mm2, the lighting circuit will likely require 1.00 or 1.5mm2.

I suggest you get the electrician that is going to certificate the work, to inform you of the above prior to you starting this project.

diydoctor6
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Re: Help Extending Cables to Relocate Sockets and Swtches

by diydoctor6 » Thu Oct 19, 2017 1:33 pm

Great reply kbrownie.

Here are a couple of links to projects that might help with the regulations you touched on for anyone reading this post:

1. Safe Zones for Cables: https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/el ... -zones.htm
2. Notching Joists (which includes a handy Notch Hole Calculator): https://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/Notching_joist.htm

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