This topic

Technical Help Needed

user8050 — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 14:52:31 GMT

I have just moved into a new build rented property where the OpenReach box has been installed next to a double plug socket. Both plugs are in use - one by the OpenReach box and one by the router. To install a phone, I need to plug the phone adapter into the router. But I don’t have a spare plug socket to plug the phone into the mains electric. Is there any way of resolving this issue without installing a new plug socket (which I’m not sure my landlord will agree to) or using an extension socket (which I am reluctant to do)?

Re: Technical Help Needed

imjolly — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:03:37 GMT

either buy and adapter that plugs into power socket and gives 2/3 outlets or get a trailing extension cable with 2/3/4 outlets

Re: Technical Help Needed

user8050 — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:09:18 GMT

Thank you. I know that’s the easiest solution but I’m reluctant to do it. The mains electrical box is directly above the OpenReach box and I would be worried about the risk of fire.

Re: Technical Help Needed

licquorice — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:10:47 GMT

To use a phone, you simply plug it into the green socket at the rear of the hub. The adapter is just a portable phone socket that can be placed anywhere if the hub isn't conveniently located for your phone.

The adapter doesn't plug into the hub.

Re: Technical Help Needed

licquorice — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:14:16 GMT

@user8050 wrote:
Thank you. I know that’s the easiest solution but I’m reluctant to do it. The mains electrical box is directly above the OpenReach box and I would be worried about the risk of fire.

What risk of fire?

Re: Technical Help Needed

imjolly — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:15:59 GMT

contact BT and ask for an DV adapter that way you can plug adapter and phone into a different electrical sockets further away. the adapter will connect to hub

Re: Technical Help Needed

user8050 — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:21:21 GMT

The phone adapter plugs directly into the hub but it is attached to a base that also has to be plugged into a mains socket. The OpenReach box has been installed in a walk-in utility cupboard, so there are no other sockets nearby. Someone suggested that the phone could be ‘paired’ with the router so it could be plugged into a mains socket in another room, but I don’t know how reliable the connection would then be.

Re: Technical Help Needed

user8050 — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:23:33 GMT

Thank you. That sounds like the best solution, provided there are no connectivity issues.

Re: Technical Help Needed

licquorice — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:30:58 GMT

Are you talking about a cordless (DECT) base station or a Digital Voice adapter? You refer to an adapter but it appears you are talking about a base station.

If it IS an adapter, it doesn't plug into the hub.

Re: Technical Help Needed

Manatarms84 — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:31:51 GMT

I use a digital voice adapter and have no issues, the other option would be getting a digital voice phone which pairs up to the hub with the WPS button so could be placed anywhere

Re: Technical Help Needed

chrisjp — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 18:29:35 GMT

A digital voice adapter does NOT plug into the hub/router. Instead it plugs into any electricity socket in your house and connects wirelessly (via DECT) to the hub/router. You then plug a normal corded phone into the adapter.
If however, when you say "adapter", you actually mean a base station for a digital phone (which is not the same as digital voice) then yes, this does need to be connected to the hub/router DV socket (usually green) and it will also need to be plugged into an electricity socket to keep its batteries charged up.
If you only have a 2 outlet socket nearby and both of these are in use, then you can simply use a plug in multi-socket block, or an extension cord plugged into one of the 2 sockets, with, typically, 3, 4 or 6 sockets. This is a standard way of providing more sockets and, providing the cord isn't causing a trip hazaard, is NOT dangerous or a potential fire risk.

Re: Technical Help Needed

iniltous — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 19:32:13 GMT

If the adapter is plugged into the SH2 router phone port and then you plug a the phone into the adapter , why have an adapter , you may as well connect the phone directly into the router phine port and put the adapter in the cupboard….as stated , the adapter is so a corded phone can be used remotely ( in a different room ) from the router ….the adapter connects to the router wirelessly via DECT turning a corded phone into a DECT phone , the idea is the adapter is used when a corded phone is no where near the router so can’t be plugged directly into it .

Re: Technical Help Needed

imjolly — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 19:42:43 GMT

There is no reason you can't connect DV adapter to power socket in another room and then connect your cordless base station to the DV adapter. Obviously you will need a power socket for DV adapter and also cordless base station

Re: Technical Help Needed

user8050 — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:25:48 GMT

Thank you. This is very helpful. Does the DV adapter automatically connect with the router? Also, do people tend to experience technical problems with the phone reception, etc, or does this set up work well?

Re: Technical Help Needed

licquorice — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:52:54 GMT

You have to register it with the router but once connected it works very well.