Digital voice with copper line

[fredc]

I'm due to get changed over to Digital Voice soon and still have a copper line, I'm aware of linking my current phone network (extensions) to the green socket on the hub to my master socket with a phone patch lead to keep the network active, but I've been told by a guide that my extensions will become redundant. I would be grateful of any advice please, I've searched the forum but couldn't find an answer. Thanks. Fredc.

[imjolly · Accepted solution]

this previous post should help

https://community.bt.com/t5/Archive-Staging/Correct-way-to-enable-all-BT-sockets-after-Digital-Voice...

you should also read the FAQ   https://community.bt.com/t5/Home-phone-including-Digital/Digital-Voice-FAQs/td-p/2207485

[fredc]

Thanks for the links, much appreciated. Fredc

[chrisjp]

A short summary is:
If you're on DV but still get broadband via FTTC and a copper line, then you can't connect the green socket on the hub to the BT master socket because that is still providing your broadband. There are too options:
1. Separate your extension wiring from the BT master socket and connect just the extension wiring to the hub green socket.
2. Instead of your extension sockets, use what BT confusingly call "DV adapters", which are really portable phone sockets that plug into electricity outlets anywhere in the house and connect to the Hub via DECT.

[fredc]

Thanks Crisjp,  That's what I need to know, separate the extension wiring as the master socket is still in use for the broadband connection on the copper line, the guide couldn't tell me that, they're sending me an adaptor as well so should be covered. Thank you. Fredc.

[paulpablo]

hi  fredc

You can use your master socket to connect to lines but make sure you disconnect   external line coming into property

plug  telephone patch cable to Router & master socket making your lines live in the house and every socket will be live with signal from  Router     

[fredc]

Hi paulpablo

Thanks for your reply, that's what I have done, separated my extension cables from the copper line master socket and put them in a new telephone socket next to it then linked that to the green socket on the router via a patch lead to get digital voice, I still have a copper line for broadband, everything is working fine with no issues. 

Fredc

[Tim123]

There's a detailed YouTube tutorial showing how to do this with a FTTC set-up, although it's a little longwinded and confusing for the layman. As well as creating an extra socket next to the master, you will probably need to create a 'junction box' if you want to feed both downstairs and upstairs extensions (this is covered in the tutorial). I wouldn't feel confident enough to do it myself and would hire a local independent engineer (there are usually some 'ex-BT' or 'ex-Openreach' ones around).

[fredc]

Hi Tim123

Yes a junction box instead of a phone socket would suit if there are multiple extension cables, the Youtube video I have seen covers it quite well but as you suggest for the layman it's best left to someone with experience, I have an electrical background which helped.

Fredc

[licquorice]

 Not exactly rocket science, it's only 2 wires that are not even polarity conscious.