Extending cable inside box.

Roberts · Oct 5, 2013

Hello. New member asking question then never heard from again

I've come across a cooker control switch where the cable leading to the flex outlet is too short. It appears that the wires were just resting in the terminals, not reaching the screws. Space is very tight and I don't think I can fit a crimped butt connector and a bit of wire in. Only thing I can think of is using a crimped bullet connector which should slot into the terminal without any additional wire. My questions are: does this sound OK? and will a normal Halfords type yellow connector be suitable? FYI the cable is either 6 or 10mm2 feeding a 2.7 kw oven. Thanks

Marvo · Oct 5, 2013

Hi Roberts, welcome to the forum.

Are you an electrician or is this DIY work?

GLENNSPARK · Oct 5, 2013

Roberts said:
Hello. New member asking question then never heard from again I've come across a cooker control switch where the cable leading to the flex outlet is too short. It appears that the wires were just resting in the terminals, not reaching the screws. Space is very tight and I don't think I can fit a crimped butt connector and a bit of wire in. Only thing I can think of is using a crimped bullet connector which should slot into the terminal without any additional wire. My questions are: does this sound OK? and will a normal Halfords type yellow connector be suitable? FYI the cable is either 6 or 10mm2 feeding a 2.7 kw oven. Thanks

off you push then matey..

go on...bye bye now....

Rockingit · Oct 5, 2013

GLENNSPARK said:
off you push then matey..

go on...bye bye now....

Think there might have been some irony involved in that comment mate, else why would the OP make it?

telectrix · Oct 5, 2013

if the cable to the cooker outlet is in capping, why not pull a new piece in.

Rockingit · Oct 5, 2013

Roberts said:
Hello. New member asking question then never heard from again I've come across a cooker control switch where the cable leading to the flex outlet is too short. It appears that the wires were just resting in the terminals, not reaching the screws. Space is very tight and I don't think I can fit a crimped butt connector and a bit of wire in. Only thing I can think of is using a crimped bullet connector which should slot into the terminal without any additional wire. My questions are: does this sound OK? and will a normal Halfords type yellow connector be suitable? FYI the cable is either 6 or 10mm2 feeding a 2.7 kw oven. Thanks

What I *think* you're saying is that the cable between the switch and the outlet plate below is just a little too short?

Where I'd start is by taking the switch and plate off the wall, back boxes too, and seeing what happens when you give the cable a damn good yank - you may find you're able to draw a new one behind it.

Roberts · Oct 5, 2013

Thanks for the replies. The cable in question runs from the switch, then chased in the wall to the flex outlet under the counter. It is buried in plaster in a tiled wall and seems quite firmly fixed. Is there a problem with my idea? In answer to Marvo, I'm a qualified but not practising electrician helping out a relative. Sorry for lack of paragraphs, return and enter don't seem to be working.

telectrix · Oct 5, 2013

cut the switch out. lower it by 1" or so, fill and make good wall above afterwards.

micknew · Oct 5, 2013

telectrix said:
cut the switch out. lower it by 1" or so, fill and make good wall above afterwards.

Then hope that if you haven't done it properly (because your a DIYer) that it doesn't explode.
If it does and your still alive come back to the DIY section and someone will help you.

simpson93 · Oct 5, 2013

can you not make your self some more space? is cooker flush against the wall or is it possible to get a plastic backbox and knock threw?

telectrix · Oct 5, 2013

micknew said:
Then hope that if you haven't done it properly (because your a DIYer) that it doesn't explode.
If it does and your still alive come back to the DIY section and someone will help you.

he did say he was qualified, but not currently in the trade, if that makes it clearer.