Wonky telephone socket

Pete65 | 19:44 Fri 02nd Dec 2011 | Technology

20 Answers

Having a bit of trouble with BT Broadband cutting out intermittently.
I am fairly sure the problem lies with a bad connection at my internal telephone socket, the connector feels loose in the socket, or the socket itself.
Is this a job for a BT engineer to repair or replace socket, or is it a straightforward fix?

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Having to charge Iphone.....

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Old_Geezer

The main socket ? I'm unsure it being loose is necessary a problem as it tends to consist of one piece plugged into another, so might wobble a bit.

Have you tried a different socket, if you have one ? Or a different splitter ?

If it is a wire connection problem inside the socket I'd suspect it was a simple job for the engineer with the right tools but more of a pain for the DIYer. But no reason not to get a screwdriver and just look at it.

ChuckFickens

If it's NTE5 ( http://www.hmmm.ip3.co.uk/images/nte5-web.png ) then remove the removable part and try plugging into the socket below that. if there is a problem with the front part of the master socket then strictly speaking it's BTs problem, but it would be far easier to DIY.

If it's an internal extension box it's your responsibility totally.... but changing an extension socket is pretty easy.

old-wos-is-name

Hi,
I would be very careful about calling out BT. or, if you pay your line rental to your ISP, they would have to report the fault to BT. I am an ex-BT engineer and now work for myself. BT, although responsible for the first socket, and the wiring to it, will charge you if:
you have damaged the socket.
1. if the socket is wet, due to a damp wall or your dog giving it a wash.
2. if the wiring is not as BT left it.
the charge is normally £130, plus £90 per hour labour.
I would suggest that you go onto ebay, buy a nte5 master socket ( you will not get one with BT logo as it is an offence for anyone except BT to sell them)
and fit it yourself. its very easy, the two incoming wires go to A and B. all extensions go to 2 and 5. do not connect any wires to terminal 3 as they are not needed and will slow the internet if connected.( they may be connected in your existing socket). Don't worry about the new socket not having BT/open reach logo, BT take no notice of that if they ever come out on a fault.
let me know if you need advice.

Pete65

Question Author

It is the only socket in my house, a flat, so I dont know if it is a master socket or not, or BT's problem or mine?

old-wos-is-name

if it is wonky, why has this happened? is it in a place where it can be kicked or easily damaged? if not, and it looks good with nothing plugged into it, then you should call BT or your ISP. usually with a broadband drop out fault the phone will start to crackle a bit when you are using it. if the phone is silent, then your first call should be to your ISP and report the fault, as it may be the card in the exchange. also, change your filter ( you normally get two with the hub). It is Still worth undoing the screws on the master socket and making sure the terminals a bright and not going green with damp.

Old_Geezer

If you are sure it is faulty it is a BT problem. But if you tell them there is a fault and they find nothing I'm suspecting they may make a charge. I am aware they threaten charges presumably to put folk off reporting problems to them. (My woman has put up with an appalling line to her place, the voice calls are often losing volume or having background noise. Matters little which phone or which socket.) So check first.

As mentioned above it is easy to simply open it up and see if there is an obvious problem you can correct, .

Mr-H

Don't know how helpful it might be, but look at this YouTube site:

Hope it's good. Perhaps old-wos-his-name could check it out and report back?

AlBags

It is the one and only Master Socket.
Look to see if it's the new split design (standard size switch-front like light switches) If so ....
1. You unscrew the visible two screws and pull of the faceplate.
2. Behind is a single socket that the front plug into when it's fitted.
3. Plug the filter and router cable into that (as you would on the front when fitted)
4. Check operation.
5. If now ok, buy and replace the front with a proper Tel/ADSL outlet plate. You can swap just the front if you have this design already.
http://www.ebay.co.uk...L&hash=item3a6b451dc8
6. If you do not have the split master, again .. buy the box above and fit the lot.
5-15 minute job either way. 2 incoming wires connect to terminals 2 and 5.

Pete65

Question Author

Thank you all very much for your help.
BT are asking for £205 to replace box. No, thank you!
I've ordered one on eBay and my son has offered to fit it, so fingers crossed!

AlBags

You won't need to : )

£205 .. what a rip-off for 10 mins work.