telephone wiring

TOS; Temporary Out of Service. Then the line will be engaged or unobtainable when called.

It would be better to put 100 ohms or thereabouts accross the line otherwise there is a possibility of blowing an exchange fuse, which would annoy BT somewhat! Regards Mike.

Thanks again for all the replies. What difference would it make if I have "Earth Calling"? It seems that shorting the pairs with this sytem does not give an engaged tone - just a ring-break.

Alan

It has to loop the loop, er line, to cause the line to appear in use. But there is a difference between a 600 ohm loop, which is the standard way of holding the line[1], and a short.

Only if you switch the line upstream of the master socket/linebox. Which is Not Allowed. :-)

Perhaps the OP wants his phone to appear continuously engaged so mother (-in-law) can't get through, but doesn't want to appear to be avoiding her calls.

Owain

How about using call forwarding, and forwarding the call to a permenently engaged number?

This then requires you know of a permenently engaged number to forward to, but at least it saves your line registering a fault.

(no you can't forward to your own number - it spots that!)

That's a good idea. If it's any help, if the OP needs a permanently engaged number, please feel free to use my landline number any time after 5:00pm (that being the time my daughter gets back from school).

David