by ericmark »
Thu Jan 17, 2008 1:17 am
1. One must be able to work out the run of a cable so if you replaced the socket with a blanking plate and extended in the future someone can still see that plate and hopefully would not drill etc where the wires run.
2. Any junction box must be accessible. Putting any box under the floor boards may be considered as not accessible.
So you must consider what you are doing. To replace the cable will cause no problems but to include a junction may cause a problem with inspectors if it is hidden, inaccessible, or overloaded. I would most likely fit a junction box, but to tell you to do that without being on site and seeing exactly what is going on I could easy be giving wrong advice.
Do ensure it is a ring. I have come across a 4mm² radial where someone mistakenly though it was a ring and used 2.5mm² cable instead of 4mm² to extend it. All electrical work should be tested once complete. I don’t think what you are talking about will need Part P but you may wish to go to projects and building regulations and use link to part p regulations and check for yourself.
If you alter a circuit you must ensure you have not exceeded the parameters in doing so. We would normally test earth loop impedance before and after to ensure it was one not right on the edge to start with, and two still OK when complete. We would have to do it so we could fill out a minor works certificate, many electrician don’t bother and get away with it. Only if something goes wrong is there a problem. I say that in case you have building inspectors coming to the house.