- Reaction score
- 157
My experience of Open Reach engineers is that if the job was done properly (using BT type cable and crimps or an IDC connector plate) they are quite happy. Modern BT Master Sockets have an internal connector where you are allowed to extend the line to other sockets. They now omit the transorb in Master Sockets which was there to limit high voltages from lightning strikes as "we had to replace far too many"!!! - also because it was limiting broad-band speeds due to its capacitance - so it is now up to customers to unplug or otherwise protect their phones and routers - this applies mostly to areas with overhead telephone wires. Few people know about this.
What they are not happy about - and neither would any of us be (!) - is where they are called out to a fault that was effectively created by someone else (i.e. not a BT engineer). Why should BT/Open Reach cover the cost of sorting a problem that was not created by them? There are lots of really crappy DIY changes out there which is why they ended up with such a strict charging policy. I suspect a decent job done properly by a skilled electrician would not be a problem. You do need to use BT type cable and accessories, though (not CAT5 !).
What they are not happy about - and neither would any of us be (!) - is where they are called out to a fault that was effectively created by someone else (i.e. not a BT engineer). Why should BT/Open Reach cover the cost of sorting a problem that was not created by them? There are lots of really crappy DIY changes out there which is why they ended up with such a strict charging policy. I suspect a decent job done properly by a skilled electrician would not be a problem. You do need to use BT type cable and accessories, though (not CAT5 !).