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

[WSH]

It looks like an extension that's just been cut off.  If you don't want to disconnect it, it should be OK just to roll it up and tuck it in the back.  Just make sure any cut ends are taped over so there is no chance of them shorting against the backbox.

The unconnected wires are normal.  The drop cable usually used today has two pairs.  One is connected, the other is spare in case the first pair get damaged.

The early faceplates where machine screws, the later ones where STs.  Don't know the size off hand.  Sorry.

[WSH]

Just had a look on Amazon and you can still get the filtered faceplates.  Can’t post you a link as commercial links are against forum rules and I’ll get my legs slapped, but search for “Pressac filtered faceplate”.  Don’t be put off by the ADSL.  They also work with VDSL.  I had one years ago and I seem to recall it came with both sets of screws.

[licquorice]

I'm struggling to understand what the purpose was of the cut cable.

Where does the cable it connects to go?

Does the external cable enter that socket?

[JimWells]

Hi Licquorice,

Where does the cable it connects to go?

I don't know, other than into the hole - which isn't much help.  I'm wary of unscrewing from the wall to find out, in case the whole thing stops working.

Does the external cable enter that socket?

As in the incoming line from BT's exchange?  Yes, I think so - this appears to be the master socket.

The place I left had a nice tidy installation, with fast broadband (40meg+ download, and fast upload).  Here I have a not so neat and tidy installation, with the broadband currently measuring at 14.2Mbps download, and 0.78Mbps upload.  And I've realised caller ID and 1571 voicemail have disappeared.  It is a good job the new place has loads of other advantages!!

[licquorice]

Are there any other sockets in the house?

[WSH]

I suspect it’s the remains of an extension naughtily tapped directly off the A and B legs at the back.  They were screw connectors then not the IDCs you see today.

[WSH]

I've got boxes of old junk from years ago, (just in case it will be useful some day).

[licquorice]

I don't think so, if that were the case there would be no need for the connector block inserted in the box. That would appear to be there to connect the cut cable to a pair in the cable within the box which we don't know the purpose of.

[WSH]

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

Connection to an alarm or a telecare device perhaps?

[tonysmini018]

Ask your provider for a home visit, that’s an older obsolete socket. It’s not really up to purpose (front plate missing).

An engineer can determine what that block was for and remove it properly.