Telephone extension

[MargaretR]

My life would be much easier if I had a bedside telephone extension. In this spacious flat it is a long walk from the bedroom to the phone in the lounge, and I sometimes don't make it there in time to answer. I do have several daytime naps.

I used to use a radio phone a few years ago, but reverted back to a corded phone when I learned how much radiation radio phones emit. So don't bother suggesting that as a solution.

I have phoned BT who have said that they would charge £200+, but they do not object to DIY jobs using extension kits. Such DIY was within my capabilities at one time but now it is beyond me, especialy since the BT main socket is behind heavy furniture.

Do you know of any local tradesmen who could do the job?

 

[Less]

No, most tradesmen are frightened of dying from blood poisoning from hitting their thumb tacking your cables than any minute mild dose of radiation they may get from the airways.

 

[Bob Dobson]

I've just approached a mate of mine for you, Margaret. he is a retired GPO phone man but turned the job down because wiring has changed since his day.

 

[MargaretR]

I am sure that a conventional telephone cable would be adequate - I wont be operating a PC at the extension.

It looks as though I will need a recently retired BT engineer who needs a bit of cash. Having a decent 'works pension' means that such persons will be as rare as rocking horse doodoo.

 

[Gordon Booth]

Margaret, you can buy a small double socket which plugs into your lounge socket so you can plug in the lounge phone and run an extension round the carpets or wall to the bedroom. You can buy very long extensions(I have a spare one but we're too far away) and if you don't want to pin it use little strips of Blutack to stick it on the bottom of the skirting board.
No re-connecting or re- wiring needed, your son could do it if he's handy.

 

[Margaret Pilkington]

Gordon, I was just about to suggest that.

 

[gpick24]

Just in addition to Gordons suggestion, if you get broadband through your telephone line you`ll also need a filter for the second phone.

 

[maxthecollie]

Just in addition to Gordons suggestion, if you get broadband through your telephone line you`ll also need a filter for the second phone.

not with the new bt main socket

 

[Gordon Booth]

Just in addition to Gordons suggestion, if you get broadband through your telephone line you`ll also need a filter for the second phone.

not with the new bt main socket

Good point. Margaret's in a new apartment so may have the latest main socket. If she hasn't she'll already be having to use a filter so just needs another one.

 

[gpick24]

not with the new bt main socket

I`m a bit behind the times, i`ve not had broadband through the phone line for a few years. The new ones have built in filter?

 

[MargaretR]

Margaret, you can buy a small double socket which plugs into your lounge socket so you can plug in the lounge phone and run an extension round the carpets or wall to the bedroom. You can buy very long extensions(I have a spare one but we're too far away) and if you don't want to pin it use little strips of Blutack to stick it on the bottom of the skirting board.
No re-connecting or re- wiring needed, your son could do it if he's handy.

Because of the layout of the rooms I will need a lot more cable that such an extension would provide.
It would have to be routed along three walls in the lounge - needing about 38' - then it will travel the length of a long hallway going 'up and over' 3 door frames, before entering the bedroom where a further 26' would be needed to reach the bedside.

I told you this flat was big - I should have said 'palatial'
When I found it on the web these were the photos in the agents ad.

 

[MargaretR]

These are the other agents ad photos (since I know I would want to see them too)

Two bathrooms!, the long hallway includes a large built-in storage cupboard.
I can't lay cable under carpet - it is glued down (office style)
The kitchen is 'open plan' of sorts - behind the wall where the TV is in these photos.
The main bedroom is bigger than the lounge and has two windows and an en-suite

 

[Gordon Booth]

I told you this flat was big

That's certainly big, Margaret. I can see why you can't get from bedroom to lounge before it stops ringing!
If you don't fancy a cordless how about plugging an answerphone in? If it's important they'll leave a message.

 

[maxthecollie]

I`m a bit behind the times, i`ve not had broadband through the phone line for a few years. The new ones have built in filter?

yeh my bt one has

 

[MargaretR]

That's certainly big, Margaret. I can see why you can't get from bedroom to lounge before it stops ringing!
If you don't fancy a cordless how about plugging an answerphone in? If it's important they'll leave a message.

If I don't answer my son thinks I'm dead

 

[Gordon Booth]

If I don't answer my son thinks I'm dead

Put your own message on-' I'm not dead yet but I don't run! I'll ring you back'.
If you don't ring him back within two weeks he'll guess there's a problem

 

[Margaret Pilkington]

I don't get the telegraph anymore, but there was nearly always an advert in there for a man who was an ex Bt engineer who did fit extra sockets.
Will check in the Citizen next time I am in Asda.

 

[Margaret Pilkington]

Think this is the one Margaret.
Blackburn telephone Engineer, all charges a Fraction of your SP & NO VAT, Ex BT.

might be worth checking him out after the festive break.

 

[Margaret Pilkington]

My Mum has been talking about having an extension put upstairs.......for the same reasons that you need an extension....and I cut the number out of the paper.
I have just rung her to see if she still had the information...and she gave me that number....i had googled and came up with it too.
Before you ask...no, Ma hasn't got around to having an extension fitted yet.

 

[maxthecollie]

Go cordless,we did easiest option