Extending cable for socket change?

Mark M · 16 Oct 2017 at 11:36

A socket in the kitchen that looked about 20 year old was working intermittently so I decided to change it for a MK socket, simple switch over I thought.... Whoever has wired the socket in originally has left zero slack on the cable and the terminals on the MK one are in a slightly different place. Ive wired it all in but its never going to be able to screw up in the back box!

Ive had a quick look at some other sockets and none of them have the terminals right at the top like the one did that I removed so I need to do something!

Can the wires be extended using some twin and earth and wago connectors? The wires go behind the tiles and I cant see a way that Id be able to pull anything through at all to change the whole thing. Any ideas appreciated thanks.

Mark M · 16 Oct 2017 at 13:54

Excellent thanks. What size twin and earth will I need? 1.5mm or 2.5mm? I dont have either so would buying 2.5mm make sense as then it might come in handy for more things in the future? I need to change an outside light at some point so may need some cable depending on what flex the light comes with etc.

Mark M · 16 Oct 2017 at 16:15

Interesting, I thought the crimps were only for low voltage stuff. I too only have a cheap crimp too and when I used to do a lot of messing around with cars they were forever coming loose (probably a combination of bad technique and cheap crimps) so I may just stick with the wago connectors for peace of mind.

Mark M · 18 Oct 2017 at 13:50

A quick update on this - I only needed to extend the live cables but did so with a wago and all is grand on that front. Only issue now is that the stupid little gland/ear for the screw has snapped off! Had a look online and as its the one that moves (in the metal back boxes) there is a chance I can use one from another box so going to pick one up later today. Failing that its either tapping a hole in the backbox and using a longer screw or putting a plug in and using an even longer screw!

Simple to change a socket they said....

Mark M · 19 Oct 2017 at 08:56

Sadly I wont be able to remove the metal back box that is in as its been tiled over and I really dont fancy nibbling away at the tiles! Ive ordered a rethreading tool so will give that a bash once it arrives.