fixing house hold wiring

Question

i think i have a light fitting that has been chewed by a mouse so it's cut in two, can i use what i know them as chocolate box connectors ( Terminal Block Strip Connector) or should i solder it , is this ok for house hold wiring ????

Paul · Accepted Answer

Hi,
In answer to your question;
Yes, you can use a chocolate box connector (I.e. a terminal block encased in a plastic sealed box) for the repair as long as the terminal block is of the correct rating. As it’s a lighting circuit it would need to be a minimum of 6A to be safe.
However, as rodents of all types love to eat thermoplastic ( the insulation around cables) I would suggest you get an electrician to run an insulation resistance test on that circuit as I doubt it will be the only place it’s been eaten. 
This is the only true way to ensure your safety.

Simon · Answer

It’s ok to use connectors, but then put the repair inside a junction box, they cost about a quid.

Vasile · Answer

Depends on the current, you need to have proper connection. Soldering is fine if you are working with low voltage and low current. Those wires needs proper insulation.

Marius · Answer

It is easier to add a junction box . If you have the tools you can use soldering as well ( but also it needs to be isolated in a junction box).
Let me know if you need any help.

Neil · Answer

Is this fitting one attached to the ceiling or is it a lamp with a flex and plug ?

You can use 5a terminal block but this must be enclosed in a box, not just wrapped in tape.

If the issue is on a table lamp style of fitting then it will probably be easier to replace the flex rather than have a box in the middle of it.

Stephen · Answer

Yes you can use chocolate box connections 6amp 15a.

Colin · Answer

Go to an electrical whole sale and ask for the correct junction box and a small piece of green sleeving to put on the earth's.

Sundeep · Answer

You can use a terminal block strip. Then enclose everything in a chop box.

Gary · Answer

You can use choc block but it must be enclosed in a “choc box” box as you can NOT leave openly exposed terminals, or use two-way push fits on joint ends, not forgetting to sleeve the bare earth wire with green/yellow sleeving, then wrap the whole lot in self-amalgamating tape (scotch twenty-three tape) or better, still call an electrician.

David · Answer

An important point to note, which doesn’t look like it has been covered… if you’re doing this yourself, don’t forget to switch of the circuit breaker for that circuit first (or pull the fuse if it’s an older fuse box) before you start!

fixing house hold wiring

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