They wouldn't be changing the wiring on the master socket, they'd be using the extension wiring on the existing master socket to convert the extension socket to the master socket.

I thought the homeowner was allowed to change wiring within the house?

That's what they did for me. Original master socket was in the hall, they disconnected the extensions apart from one which was in the office on the other side of the wall and made that the master socket. Then just fitted a blanking plate where the original master socket was.

In reply to a post by jchannon:

They wouldn't be changing the wiring on the master socket, they'd be using the extension wiring on the existing master socket to convert the extension socket to the master socket.

I thought the homeowner was allowed to change wiring within the house?

Yes they would - as you say yourself "convert the extension socket to the master socket" at which point the new socket becomes the master and the new wiring behind it is illicit, unapproved and not installed by BT or their authorised agent.

Ah! So only BT can move a master socket for the lovely price of £140?

Might have to stick with the data extension option the engineer offers?

The whole reason for the Data Extension Kit, (properly called a Home Wiring Solution as that is what Openreach call it), is that existing extension wiring such as yours can be unsuitable for VDSL2. Particularly if builder-installed in trunking. It can be "burglar-alarm" wire.

An "interested" engineer will be normally be able to tell as soon as he sees the wires.

Changing wiring within the house does not include moving the master socket, as the test socket in that is the Openreach network termination point.

Cat5 cable run from near the master to near the extension, with a metre left coiled at each end ready for the engineer, would probably be accepted and used, even if the HWS has not been ordered. Don't clip it to anything close to the sockets - let them do that during the job once they have it at the right length.

Edited by RobertoS (Fri 08-Jan-16 12:43:10)

Ah thanks for the tip! I think I have enough Cat5 to use if they dont bring a kit with them.

I believe it should be solid core, not stranded.

Rule exists because of the stories of people sticking mains or other signals down the phone line and other DIY disasters

In reply to a post by MHC:

You cannot do that. No one apart from authorised BT staff or subcontractors can alter the wring before a master socket. No ifs, no buts ... it cannot be done and anyone initiating it or undertaking it is opening themselves up to prosecution.

You say that, but BT will charge you to repair the fault if the fault is between the BT80 junction box and the NTE5 Master Socket.

Paul

No they will not. There are many many installations with BT80 (or older) junction boxes just inside the property and internal CW1308 to te master - all of that is BT responsibility and they will not charge for faults. Repair damage caused by te customer is a different issue - if you damage their cable or junction box they may well charge for that.