Socket Wiring

[jmcb55]

I opened a double socket with the intentions of moving its location.

Inside two 2 core fused wires were found. The two neutrals were connected as were the earths but only one of the live wires were connected and the other unconnected one is dead.

Does anyone know what would happen if I only brought the one (live) set of wires to the new location?

Would the other Neutral wire be needed to form a circuit?

Is it just a case of suck it and see (although highly unadvisible in a literal sence in this case).

Many thanks
JM

[woodchopper]

I would suggest gettinbg a electrician in to check it out - the other live shouldn't be dead if its on a ring circuit - you could overload the wiring. Ring mains are usually rated at 30 Amps and if one of the lives is disconnnected it means alll the load is going down one side so to speak and the cable is only rated at 15amp,
Be safe and get it checked out.

[buildersmate]

Good analysis, WC

[labrat2512]

It could well be that the other 'live' wire is live but slipped out of the terminal when originally installed.
I had a similar problem; one leg of the ring circuit was dead, traced it to a disconnected wire in a socket on the otherside of the room.

[jmcb55]

Thanks all for your answers.

Turns out that the second live wire was part of a spur leading outside that the previous owner had put in place. When the outside sockets became weather beaten and he didnt want it anymore he simply dissengaged it by removing the live wire.

Thanks again
J