Dodgy BT wiring?

[Nick]

I've been having issues with a socket that is supposed to have broadband enabled on it.

When I plug the modem in, it can't synch with the exchange, despite a line check saying that there is no problem. I've tried with two different modems and still can't get anything.

Nildram, the service provider, contacted BT and then reported back that BT had done something at the exchange and it should work... but it's still the same.

The thing is, this is on a second line with a separate number, but the actual socket is passed through the socket for the other number.

Removing the faceplate of the socket showed that the orange and green pairs of wires had been stripped from the existing line and used for the second line... except that only the orange pair is actually connected to the socket... the green pair is just coiled up and hanging free in the back of the socket.

Could this be the problem? The orange pair is connected by the two screw clamps on the back of the socket and nothing is connected to the push fit thingies.

I don't know how the other socket is wired up as I haven't looked, but I'm suspicious of BT cutting corners with the installation of a second line as it looks like they've just stripped out wires from the first line... I know that the line doesn't use all the pairs, but I'm certain that you need more than just two wires connected... there isn't even the third 'ring' wire connected.

btw, it's not me being dumb OR dodgy equipment my end... We've tried connecting using two different modems and three different filters all of which I have tested at home and connected with no problems... and Nildram talked me through the modem set-up just to be sure, but that was all fine too.

[Lee H]

The Following link is a diagram to the way the sockets should be wired for the BT network.

http://www.wppltd.demon.co.uk/WPP/Wi...telephone.html

Hope this helps,

[Flash]

PM me some details and Ill have a butchers tomorrow

[Nick]

Cheers Flash.. PM with as many details as I can think of sent!

[DR]

.... or use another socket

[Flash]

.... or use another socket

its a different line i.e. not an extension on a dodgy socket

unless I interpreted you wrongly

[Nick]

You're right Flash, its a different line... supposedly, but I suspect its only had the minimum connected to get voice working... but I'm not an expert so I'll shut me gob.

Anyway, PM with more details sent!

[Zak33]

Flash....you are A HERO

[Jonny M]

Phone / data only needs 2 wires connected (1 pair).

The third wire is for the ring, and isn't needed on extensions, only the master.

[oshta]

Phone / data only needs 2 wires connected (1 pair).

yes, I assume the back of your socket look like this one



and then the two wires from BT are atached to to screw terminals (A & B), this is how it should be, its just like ours, becauase i moved it and therefore i know there are only two wires, becuase i have cut and rejoined them (the other side of the a wall)

daniel

also, if its an old box, there will be a 3rd screw terminal mark "E" this is designed for an earth conection i belive, although it never seem to get conected to anything, so dont worrie if its not!

[Flash]

In theory there should be 4 wires only 3 are used as mentioned above and the 4th is for symmetry

lol yes BT like symmetrical wiring

I found this on the BT Intranet today so its 100% kosha

[Flash]

Flash....you are A HERO

Hows house hunting going mate? Remember to give me a shout when you get something.

[Wombatwilson]

have you sorted this yet?

[Nick]

Wombat, yes thanks, a BT engineer came round, spent a few hours mucking about and then switched the wires around.. hey presto! (to quote Viz's Top Tips) one ADSL line up and running!

[Wombatwilson]

did he charge you?

[Nick]

Sorry, should have said that its me bro-in-laws work connection... I have no idea if they charged him but I told him before hand to NOT IN ANYWAY WHATSOEVER to accept paying anything... made it VERY clear to him to not pay a thing... I think it was done free