DIY: What is this power junction box?

[Tin Pot]

I was hoping to install a new fitted microwave, having swapped over an oven quite easily.

However, this is hardwired into some sort of junction box I don't recognise:

I had thought it would be simply a plug like the dishwasher is. But it looks like I need to turn off the house fuses and get the screwdrivers out.

The microwave is the black cable, the other cables disappear behind the units and I can't follow them.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Yes - isolate the mains completely before disassembling..

Hopefully you will do a better job than whoever did that one.

The outer sheath of the microwave flex should terminate within the junction box.

The upper plate of the box is also designed to rotate in such a way that all unused ports are blanked off - it has irregularly spaced flanges inside and will be self explanatory when you open it up.

 

[TVC]

I think the technical term for that is a bodge.

 

[Drago]

Looks like some kind of hard wired plug adaptor to allow multiple accessories off of one supply. Looks a bit bodgetastic to me.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I think the technical term for that is a bodge.

Yes I thought that.

 

[jefmcg]

This might help


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpSqCE8wCOU

 

[Tin Pot]

Yes - isolate the mains completely before disassembling..

Hopefully you will do a better job than whoever did that one.

The outer sheath of the microwave flex should terminate within the junction box.

The upper plate of the box is also designed to rotate in such a way that all unused ports are blanked off - it has irregularly spaced flanges inside and will be self explanatory when you open it up.

Cheers.

The new microwave has a non-removable plug.

So...I see a few tasks/options here.

1. I've got to remove the old microwave anyway, so the fuse and junction box has to come apart anyway.

2. Strip the new microwaves power cable to expose the wires. Wire it into the junction box. How do I know the output from the junction box will suit the new microwave?

3. There is a plug/socket in the unit which I can't tell what it powers. Could I put an extension in and simply plug the new microwave in? (Saving step 2)

I've already injured myself trying to get the old microwave out as it weighs a metric tonne and I had to catch it with my knee.

 

[Tin Pot]

This might help


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpSqCE8wCOU

Thanks, but I'm more:

 

[TVC]

Cheers.

The new microwave has a non-removable plug.

So...I see a few tasks/options here.

1. I've got to remove the old microwave anyway, so the fuse and junction box has to come apart anyway.

2. Strip the new microwaves power cable to expose the wires. Wire it into the junction box. How do I know the output from the junction box will suit the new microwave?

3. There is a plug/socket in the unit which I can't tell what it powers. Could I put an extension in and simply plug the new microwave in? (Saving step 2)

I've already injured myself trying to get the old microwave out as it weighs a metric tonne and I had to catch it with my knee.

Don't cut the plug off the microwave, it will just void your warrenty. Is the microwave the only thing coming out of the bodge box? I can't see from the photo. If so buy a 3 pin flying socket and replace the bodge box.

I would however question the wiring of the entire kitchen looking at that, you don't know what other nasties are hiding.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Difficult to tell from the photo but I was assuming it was one of these Junction Boxes:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/30a-3-terminal-junction-box-white/5866d

 

[Tin Pot]

Don't cut the plug off the microwave, it will just void your warrenty. Is the microwave the only thing coming out of the bodge box? I can't see from the photo. If so buy a 3 pin flying socket and replace the bodge box.

View attachment 341823

I would however question the wiring of the entire kitchen looking at that, you don't know what other nasties are hiding.

Argh, it's just like every little job isnt it?

You just want to replace one thing and you end up ripping out the whole kitchen.

I hate DIY.

Having just read the bad tradesmen thread, I neither want to do it myself nor get someone else in.

What certifications do you need to be qualified to do all the electrics in a house?

If it's a two week course I can do I'll do it.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I think the best solution is to install a surface mount box and plug the microwave into that:

http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/1-gang-32mm-surface-mounting-pattress-box---white-353690

http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/value-13-amp-1-gang-switched-socket---white-353501

A Sparks will do this for not too much money. AFAIK we're not supposed to do these things ourselves anymore.

 

[mybike]

Is that part of a ring main or is it just a spur? I think you need to check what it's fusing is and which breaker it is connected to. If you cut the plug off the microwave you take the plug fuse out of the equation, bear that in mind, and you'll have the same problem when replacing it.

 

[the_mikey]

+1, don't cut the plug, whatever you do, ensure there is a fuse between the microwave and that junction box. Also, what is the current rating of the wiring leading to that junction?

 

[the_mikey]

[QUOTE 4717158, member: 9609"]it looks like 1mm twin and earth to me so I reckon that is wired into the lighting[/QUOTE]

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