New home - non-standard connection at master socket, missing face plate

[WSH]

You have a good point there but the OP’s original post suggested he wasn’t in the market for a replacement and just wanted to tidy the existing one up.

I’m not sure what the position would be on a replacement.  It’s Openreach’s property.  If it was faulty OR would replace it but if it’s effectively been vandalised by the previous owner, they may charge for it.  Up to the OP in the end.

[tonysmini018]

All they have to do is point out that it was found like this when they moved in.  The CP should send someone to bring the NTE up to the current standard.

If they mess with it themselves and it stops working then they will be knackered, possibly out of service and liable for a charge for an engineer visit to fix it.

all they need to do is call and ask the question.

[JimWells]

Hi @licquorice 

Are there any other sockets in the house?

Yes, two.

The one already pictured is in the living room but the condition of the wall around it suggests it might not be its original place, and it isn't on an outside wall.

In bedroom one there is what I guess to be an original secondary socket with ?? plugged into it.  Looks like it is missing part of its innards, and for the moment I cannot get the part that is plugged in out of the socket.

In bedroom three there is a surface mounted (is that the right term) socket, which I guess is at the other end of the cable that isn't connected properly to the (assumed) secondary socket in bedroom one.

[JimWells]

@WSH ,

Yes, it's difficult to tell just by the picture.

Connection to an alarm or a telecare device perhaps?

Intriguing, isn't it.

Also, it would appear, not very well done - whatever it was.

[JimWells]

@wsh , @tonysmini018 ,

You have a good point there but the OP’s original post suggested he wasn’t in the market for a replacement and just wanted to tidy the existing one up.

I’m not sure what the position would be on a replacement.  It’s Openreach’s property.  If it was faulty OR would replace it but if it’s effectively been vandalised by the previous owner, they may charge for it.  Up to the OP in the end.

If they mess with it themselves and it stops working then they will be knackered, possibly out of service and liable for a charge for an engineer visit to fix it.

You've pretty much summed up my concerns.

At the moment it works, but isn't pretty.  If I "adjust" I might cause damage, it might stop working, and it might cost me money.

All for a 20meg broadband connection.  The previous cable broadband connection is still active at three times plus the upload speed, and 20+ times the download speed.  Not convinced I made the right decision in staying loyal to BT, but I wanted to keep a landline and the same number.

Thank you all for your advice.  Some things to ponder on.

[JimWells]

Thank you @licquorice , @iniltous , @tonysmini018 , @WSH , @imjolly .

Now all sorted.  Master socket replaced with a new one.  A bulkier item with filter built in.  I'm pleased it has been looked at, modernised and tidied up.

Thank you for your generous advice.