BT Master Socket
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BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 11:05 AM
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i have just realised something that is slightly worrying - i dont think i have a proper BT master socket at my property. the black BT cable from outside enters the property through the roof (it's a bungalow btw), and terminates in the loft at one of those old-fashioned connection blocks (see pic below). from here there is a thinner white cable that runs through the loft and down into the living room to what i think is a traditional phone socket. it doesnt have a removable face-plate. i dont have any other telephony equipment though, just the one router and telephone at this socket, which is clear as a bell.
when trouble-shooting adsl connection problems, the first thing anyone says on here is to plug directly into the master socket. well i wouldnt be able to do this.
what i would like to know is:
1) is this something i need to rectify as a matter of urgency, or can i carry on with this set-up (which has been present since i moved to the property about 5 years ago)?
2) how much would BT charge to install a new master socket? if they agree to put it where the current socket is (in the living room), will they need to run a new cable from the pole straight to the new socket?
3) could i have the master socket installed in the loft, where the existing cable terminates? i could put my router up there then, and keep the cable that runs down to the existing phone socket in the living room.
thanks,
reg.
Re: BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 11:28 AM
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Just check that only 2 wires are used in the white cable and that the others are disconnected at both ends.
The white cable should be "proper" (CW1308) phone wire which is twisted gently in pairs inside the outer sheath, typically 2 pairs sometimes 3.
The 2 wires used should "match", e.g. if modern be blue/white and white/blue (or both orange etc.).
(can't remember the codes for the older solid colours offhand)
Re: BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 11:39 AM
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it is exactly as you say - the cable is "proper" telephone extension cable with only 2 wires connected. i dont know if this cable is bt's responsibility, or whether they are only responsible for the cable up to the old connection box.
it still worries me that i dont have a proper master socket though..
Re: BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 11:51 AM
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I didn't have a master socket until about 4 months ago - original GPO plate must have been there for about 35 years.
Quote from: LittleReggie it still worries me that i dont have a proper master socket though..
When I did have an adsl fault the engineer fitted NTE5a, for free, so that he could test the line.
Under the old adage " if it ain't broke don't fix it" I'd leave well alone. BT used to quote about £30 to fit a master socket but that could well have increased considerably recently.
You can buy an NTE5a from www.adslnation.com or http://www.run-it-direct.co.uk/BTsocketNTE5.html
Re: BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 12:15 PM
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It's not "legal" for you to replace the master yourself with an NTE5A, also pointless.
Re: BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 12:17 PM
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interesting that these companies will sell a master socket to the public though?
sounds dubious to me!
actually, though, it would be quite useful for me to have the master socket in the loft. i can then put my wireless router up there out of sight, and not taking up space (and a mains socket) in the living room.
reg.
Re: BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 12:26 PM
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Re: BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 12:32 PM
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They've been doing so for years - the only time one might have a problem is an officious Openreach engineer spotting that there's no Openreach logo on the socket.
Quote from: LittleReggie sounds dubious to me!
Re:BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 4:37 PM
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You can get the socket replaced by your telephone company, but if there's no issue there's no point (it falls into Openreach's Time Related Charges - work for the sake of it category and costs just over the £100 mark at wholesale level).
If you have a fault of any sort Openreach will generally convert it for you anyway.
Re:BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 6:23 PM
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As happened to me and several other people I know.
Quote from: Mand If you have a fault of any sort Openreach will generally convert it for you anyway.
Openreach charges have certainly jumped of late - doesn't seem that long ago that the list showed fitting NTE5, or replacing non BT product, as £25 + VAT
Re: BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 6:34 PM
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Otherwise there will be a call-out, minimum time etc. and it will be at least £150.
Re: BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 9:30 PM
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Re:BT Master Socket
05-11-2009 10:29 PM
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Not cheap, and if it ain't broken best to leave it be.
Re: BT Master Socket
06-11-2009 8:45 AM
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incidentally, it isnt difficult to find branded "openreach" nte5a for sale on you-know-where.
Re: BT Master Socket
06-11-2009 9:10 AM
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