TalkTalk Members - Do I have a test socket and how do I use it ?

Do I have a test socket and how do I use it ?

One of the more common tests you will be asked to do is to connect your phone / modem / router to your test socket. What is a master socket, what is a test socket, do you have one and why is it done ?

What is a master socket

When the phone cable enters your house for the first time it is presented to you in at a socket. The first socket it connects to * is commonly known as the master socket Every other socket in your house is an extension socket.

Your master socket is usually near the front door or a window.

Master sockets come in various types from the really old black / brown bakelite ones through to two different types of white plastic ones. These are known as the "old style" or LJ type and the "new style" or NTE-5 type.

The NTE5 is immediately obvious as its faceplate is split in half and the lower portion is removeable by the user. The other socket should not be touched as it remains the property of telecoms provider.

An NTE5 Socket - note how the lower half of the faceplate is removeable

What is a test socket

The test socket is a hidden socket that is only available on the NTE-5 socket. Do not remove the cover of any other socket type expecting to see a test socket. When you remove the lower portion of the NTE5 it disconnects all the internal wiring in your home and the only active phone socket in your house will be the test socket in the NTE5.

Removing the lower half of an NTE-5

The test socket visible in the lower right corner of the NTE5

Do I have a test socket ?

You ONLY have a test socket if you have the NTE5 master Socket in your house. If your master socket does not have a very obvious removable lower half then you have one of the older LJ sockets and you should not remove the faceplate. Doing so could break the wires connected to it and stop your phone line from working.

Why do I have to use a test socket ?

A huge number of faults with broadband and voice are caused by the internal wiring in the house. The wiring up to the master socket has to be done by a qualified engineer with the right equipment and the correct cable while the extension wiring can be done by anyone with any equipment and any cable.

if an engineers has to be sent out and the fault is with internal wiring then the costs for the engineer have to be met and may be passed on to the customer. You should be advised of this on every engineer call out.

When you remove the lower half of an NTE5 socket you immediately disconnect any extensions as they are connected to the face plate. This eliminates your premises wiring and allows a check to be done to see if the fault still exists. If there is still a line fault then it should not be customer wiring unless someone has tampered with the original NTE5 installation.

Using the test socket
A microfilter connected to the test socket