Can I extend a wire by 15 cm and which is the right way?

[Mark3100]

Hi. I hope you can help me with this.

I’m putting in a false ceiling in my dining room, which will lower the ceiling by ~10cm. The wire to the ceiling light is barely long enough as it is. After lowering the ceiling the wire will be too short. Can I extend it myself legally (DIY)? I thought it would be a simple matter of a 3-way terminal block (wrapped in tape just for good measure). If this is good enough for connecting large light fittings with several feet of flex, it must be good enough for lengthening the flex by ~6 inches - right?

But a quick look at the part P regulations has caused confusion. Does this count as fixed wiring, in which case it’s illegal for me to do it? To comply (with UK law), is a junction box necessary and would it have to be screwed down, or can it be shoved up into the space? Would a Jbox have to be in an inspectable position and does this mean on the surface or under floorboards?

The job just went from dead easy nightmare! Please help!

Thanks,
Mark

 

[telectrix]

the correct way to do this would be to use wagos ( maintenance free connectors ) enclosed in a suitable enclosure. or use click connectors. both are readily available from most wholesalers. sure some member will be able to post you a pic. as the job is more of a repair, and not in a special location, part p does not apply. but be sure to do a safe job. choc blocks and tape are NO NO.

edit: crimp connectors with heat shrink sleeving is an alternative, but then you would have to purchase a set of crimpers, and the crimps come in packs of 100, so would be uneconomical if you only want to do one or two connections.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Yes it does count as fixed wiring, and no it's not illegal for you to do.
Some type of enclosure would be necessary (such as a JB), it would not have to be screwed down.
If you were to use a JB, then yes it would have to be accessible for inspection, no it wouldn't have to be on the surface, it could be under floorboards.
I would suggest you use some Wago type connectors with an enclosure marked with the MF symbol, which would not have to be accessible.

 

[Spoon]

If you were to use a JB, then yes it would have to be accessible for inspection, no it wouldn't have to be on the surface, it could be under floorboards.

I thought you couldnt put JB that need to be inspected under floorboards? I may be wrong....

 

[oxocube]

I thought you couldnt put JB that need to be inspected under floorboards? I may be wrong....

Correct. accessible does not mean hidden under floor boards.

 

[telectrix]

one of these perhaps.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Where do you guys put the transformers when installing ELV downlights?

 

[Paul.M]

Or one of these

. Ashley maintenance free about 3 quid.

 

[Mark3100]

Thanks for all the tips, everybody!
I can't find a Wagos but how about this "Permanent mains flex connector", 13A from Maplin? Permanent Mains Flex Connectors : Plugs : Maplin

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Thanks for all the tips, everybody!
I can't find a Wagos but how about this "Permanent mains flex connector", 13A from Maplin? Permanent Mains Flex Connectors : Plugs : Maplin

No, that is for flexible cord.
I don't have any problem finding Wago.

 

[Mark3100]

View attachment 7195one of these perhaps.

Any info on where to find this or what it's called would be really helpful! Thanks!

 

[malcolmsanford]

Tender loving Care do the Click range which are what theses are called, I'm sure Meteor would have them and as our forum sponsor if you bought from them they would offer you the discount as a member.

 

[mickys86]

Go to google and search for 'electrical wholesalers' with your area and go to a proper wholesalers. you won't find them in maplin or b&q. I'm pretty sure that screw fix don't sell them yet. It's quite a new product

 

[Geordie Spark]

Thanks for all the tips, everybody!
I can't find a Wagos but how about this "Permanent mains flex connector", 13A from Maplin? Permanent Mains Flex Connectors : Plugs : Maplin

As long as the terminals inside are "Maintenance Free" it will be ok.

"Maintenance Free" means no screws in the terminals that can work loose - like in a Junction Box or a simple Chock Block.

However I think the thing you've shown will have screw terminals in it so that's why I have doubts about it.

These Wago things the other folks are on about do not have screw terminals in them. They have metal grips that grip the wire when you push it in and so (allegedly) never work loose - unlike a screw terminal can do.

Hope this helps.

 

[ian.settle1]

In the ceiling but they are accessable by removing the light fitting :seeya: