DIYbanter - View Single Post

wrote:
On 11 Nov 2003 12:43:13 GMT, wrote:

wrote:
Hi

I need to 'move' a lightswitch. (the previous owners 'moved' a
doorway from one end of the room to the other, leaving the switch
in the middle of a wall)

I don't have any problem with cutting holes and running cable etc,
etc, but I thought i'd just ask what is seen as the best way to join
the 4 foot of t&e that i'm using as an extension to the original
cable

If the join is 'accessible' then you can use a junction box.
Accessible can mean in something like a roof void or under
floorboards even if you'd have to pull nails to get access. What is
*not* accesssible is buried in plaster or something like that.

If you want to make the joint somewhere inaccessible (e.g. buried in
plaster or in some sort of sealed up cavity) then the join must be
crimped or soldered. Making a good soldered joint is difficult
unless you have the right equipment and skills. Crimping is
relatively easier but you need to get a proper ratchet crimp tool
and some crimps. A crimp tool can be bought for £20 or so nowadays
and a box of crimps in the three standard sizes around a tenner or
something like that. If you're never going to use them again that
may be a bit expensive but I find having the crimp tool and crimps
around very useful for quite a few odd jobs (extending wires which
are 'just too short' for example).

If you're just going to bury the crimped connections in plaster I
think it's a good idea to sleeve them as well, otherwise put them in
a box of some sort and bury that. It's probably a good idea to
sleeve the crimped connections whatever you do.

Ta

It will be in the cavity of a studded partition - i'd assume that
counts as inaccessible ?

If you are going to permanently fill the hole where the current switch is
then yes.
If you say replace it with a blank plate, then no.