Lower faceplate installation instructions

Will this fit my existing socket? 

If you have a current NTE5 socket yes this will fit. Please note: this will not fit the NTE5c.

My existing lower faceplate has more than 3 connections?

Several years ago, BT Openreach changed the design, most commonly only two of the connections are used, numbers (2 and 5) connection number 3 is used when a bellwire is in use. (Some older phones and bells use this and is no longer common) Most internal cable that is used is what we call 3 pair (3 sets of wires) Commonly these are a pair of blues a pair of oranges and a pair of greens) We normally use the blue pair for telephone extensions and connect these to connectors 2 and 5. The other wires maybe connected but are not normally needed.

How do you fit this?

The lower faceplate is really simple to install. Unscrew the two small screws located on the front of the plate. Insert your new lower faceplate and screw back together. If you have extension sockets, take a photo of the existing connections and use an idc punch tool to put them back on. 

Note: Most internal cable that is used is what we call 3 pair (3 sets of wires) Commonly these are a pair of blues a pair of oranges and a pair of greens We normally use the blue pair for telephone extensions and connect these to connectors 2 and 5. The other wires maybe connected but are not normally needed.

Are any special tools needed?

If you have extensions that come off of the master socket then you will need an idc tool to punch the wires back in. This is relatively simple and are available on the website just search 'punch tool'. If there are no extensions then only a small phillips crosshead screwdriver is need.

Do I need BT Openreach to do this?

No, usually if you have a fault your line supplier will ask you to take this lower faceplate off and plug your phone into the 'test socket'. If the fault disappears it is assumed the problem is on the customer side of the network. This can be with either internal wiring or a faulty lower faceplate. As the lower faceplate is the cheapest part to replace this can be easily changed by yourself and save on a call out charge from your line supplier.

Wiring diagram for this lower faceplate if extensions are to be connected 

2 - Blue Wire 
3 - N/A (unless a bell or very old telephone is being used)
5 - White Blue

In some cases your cable colours might be different as BT openreach do change their cable from time to time. 

Wiring diagram for alternative colours (these will be solid colours with no white visible on them)

2 - Blue
3 - N/A (unless a bell or very old telephone is being used)
5 - Orange

Please note: Your setup maybe different to the above, we always recommend taking a photo of the existing lower faceplate connections before you replace it.