Extend mains cable

[RJH]

I need to extend the cable due to relocating a couple of plug sockets - is this sort of thing OK:

Thanks, Rob

[Tony Bryer]

The cable feeding the sockets? You need to use proper junction boxes, alternatively if you want to use connector strip it needs to be in a proper enclosure.

[RJH]

Yes indeed - feeding the sockets. Junction box it is, thanks.

Rob

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Not really, you need to use a junction box which protects the terminals. Assuming it will be accessible at a later point - like simply under floorboards. If not accessible, you need use crimp connectors, or a special JB designed for this situation.

[RJH]

Grand, thanks. It'll be under the floorboards so I'll get a junction box. I did in fact go through the same exercise about 20 years ago but had forgotten.

Rob

[RobertL]

Our electricians extended the main cable by doing something (I assume soldering) and then enclosing it in shrink wrap.

It is a reputable firm so I presume this is allowed.

Robert

[John Rumm]

Indeed. There are five allowable options really...

Welding, Soldering, Crimping, Push/Snap terminals, and Screw terminals.

The first four can generally be used anywhere, but screw terminal connections need to remain accessible.

(in reality welding and soldering are less easy to apply "in the field" in most cases, so crimping or one of the newer maintenance free terminal systems like wago connectors are popular)

[Andrew Gabriel]

More likely to be crimping.

The regs claim the first 3 can generally be used anywhere. It's the Push/Snap terminal manufacturers who claim theirs can too, but I've yet to see the regs modified to say so.

[RJH]

IIUC, Wago state that theirs should be used within an enclosure. So for me, might as well use a junction box I think - neat as the Wago things look.

Rob

[ARW]

are what they claim

[ARW]

Cheers Andrew. You did make me work to find the regs on this one. IMHO you owe me a pint:-).

526.3 is what you quoted but look at the bottom left of appendix 15.

is the best I can find on line to say that MF is OK and part of the regs.

[Adam Funk]

I still don't see how a push-fit connection can be gas-tight (although a levered-in kind seems quite different).

[Adam Funk]

The first page of the 2nd link shows a box with both "DO NOT COVER" & "MAINTENANCE FREE" printed on it. I guess the first item means something like "do not cover directly"? I.e., you could bury it in the floorboards without a trap for maintenance, but not pile insulation right on it? Or what?

[ARW]

I have no idea!

[John Rumm]

The real win with Wago connectors is speed and ease of use. No need to tit about with a screwdriver and holding wires in terminals until tightened etc. They also claim they are maintenance free, although as Andy mentions the regs are silent on the issue at this time.

[John Rumm]

"Ah, now this is interesting:

Is the MF logo mentioned in BS7671: Requirements for Electrical Installations?

Yes, the MF logo is mentioned in BS7671 Amendment No. 1. 2011 in Section

526.3 (vi).

Section 5 deals with the Selection and Erection of Equipment. Subsection 526. Electrical Connections: Requirement 526.3 Every connection shall be accessible for inspection, testing and maintenance except for the following: ...

526.3(vi) Equipment complying with BS5733 for a maintenance free accessory and marked with the symbol MF and installed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions"

I retract my comment about the regs being silent on the issue ;-)