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

 

[Marvo]

I'm not keen on wire nuts but I see some seasoned pros use them. By the way don't worry about the green wire

 

[Adam W]

I'm not keen on wire nuts but I see some seasoned pros use them. By the way don't worry about the green wire

... So you check if the power is off by trying to operate the dimmer which you're going to be replacing because it's not working? I didn't see the guy re-energising the circuit either, he just switched the light back on.
If that guy is a 'seasoned pro' I'd be interested to see some American 'DIY disasters'.

 

[Guitarist]

It just makes me laugh how safe isolation and proving is drummed into us, yet all these DIY videos simply say "turn it off". Job done.

 

[LineProducts]

Just looked on there, expensive

I don't think that youbwillnfind a deal better than what I am offering the forum!

for electricians by electricians

 

[LineProducts]

screw terminals can be used as maintenance free.as long as they fixed . cant they? will i get my book out

Only bs5733 screwless comply. (or other methods e.g, crimp.)

 

[KFH]

Did some remedials in a church where ceramic screwits had been used extensively. Had to replace a few of them and the connections were as sound as the day they had been made. CPCs were soldered outside the junction boxes. Not sure i want to try the new ones though there are sufficient alternatives for me.

 

[Guitarist]

I really can't see why anyone would even consider "screwit" connectors when we have Line and wago producing a far superior joint which are much easier to use!