How to check the test socket
Your master socket
Your master socket is a white plastic box built into your wall, usually in your hallway or near your front door. It’s bigger than a normal phone socket because it’s the point where your external phone line comes into your home. It’s best to connect your router to your master socket.
You can use your master socket to troubleshoot problems with your internet, particularly if it has a test socket which can be found inside your master socket.
There are two types of master socket:
Standard master sockets have one port on the front. When connecting your router to a standard master socket, you’ll need to use a microfilter to stop your phone and broadband signals from interfering with each other. You’ll also need to plug a microfilter into every other socket you’re using.
Pre-filtered master sockets have two ports on the front. This means that your line is already split between your phone and broadband connection, so you don’t need to use any microfilters.
Not all houses have one, but if yours does, it’ll look like one of the images below:
Connecting to your test socket
Your test socket is inside your master socket. It lets you bypass the internal wiring in your house and connect directly to the phone line outside; making it the ideal place to test your internal wiring for faults.
If your master socket has a removable faceplate then it contains a test socket. If your master socket doesn’t have a removable faceplate, it won’t have a test socket (we don’t recommend forcing it to check).
Here’s how to connect your router to your test socket:
- Carefully unscrew the faceplate on your master socket with a screwdriver.
- Now gently pull the faceplate towards you.
- With the faceplate removed, you’ll see the test socket on the right-hand side.
- If you’re testing your router, plug a microfilter into the test socket.
- Then plug your router’s grey broadband cable into the microfilter’s ADSL/DSL port.
- If your connection improves whilst you’re connected to the test socket, then the problem is probably in your home.
- If the problem continues, then there’s likely a fault in your local area.
I have no dial tone, or my land line is dead
- Check your telephone is connected to your telephone socket, it could have come out by accident or be loose.
- If you use a cordless phone check that it’s charged.
- Try another phone in case the one you were using is faulty. If you can, try a basic corded phone.
- Unplug all equipment including any micro filters from your telephone socket and test one telephone directly into the master socket. This is usually where the telephone line enters your property.
I am moving, what do I need to do?
If you are relocating to new premises all you need to do is contact our Customer Services Team at least 2 weeks before you intend to move to let us know your new address and what, your requirements are. We can install lines in your new premises if necessary, or turn on any ceased lines already in the building.
What happens if there is a fault or problem with any of my services?
We provide free 24/7 support 365 days a year. Our landlines are maintained by BT Openreach in exactly the same way as if your landlines were with BT directly. Our highly skilled technical support team are also here to help should you have any issues at all with your mobile, broadband, mobile broadband or any other service you have with us. Our teams are all UK based and cross skilled to ensure you can speak with the same person in the same team about any issues you may encounter.
Do I have to pay by Direct Debit?
We offer Direct Debit as the only payment option in order to transfer discounts to our customers and ensure we can continue to provide a value for money offer as it removes the high administration costs of running a Credit Department. Direct Debit is safe and fully protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee, this Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies that take part in the Direct Debit Scheme. If an error is made by us or your Bank or Building Society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amount paid.
Can I have my landlines. Mobiles and broadband all on the one account with you?
Yes. Invictus at Home is one of the very few companies that can provide you one single bill for all of your telecoms needs. Naturally, the bill is simply laid out and broken down to show you how much you spend on each product. You can even design your own bill with our ‘Bill Builder’ option that allows you to pick and choose what information appears on your bill.
How will I be billed?
You can nominate to have your bill either emailed or posted to you. Your bills will also be available for you to view and download online by clicking on the my account button at the top of each page of this website. You will need your account number and the password created when you signed up. If you don’t have this to hand, please call our support team who will happily assist you.
Each month your invoice will be sent to you via your chosen billing method. All call charges are billed in arrears and any rental charges, such as line rental or broadband access are billed a month in advance.
What networks do you use?
We use a variety of the UK’s best networks to ensure our customers get the right product on the right network without the need for them to deal with multiple telecoms companies. BTOpenreach, O2, Vodafone, TalkTalk Business are amongst the networks we use.
I’m in a contract, can you help?
That will depend on the type of contract you have entered into. Most of the contracts we come across can be terminated however the terms vary from supplier to supplier. Your existing supplier will provide a final bill and you must then come to a satisfactory arrangement with your previous supplier to settle any debt or termination charges. We are happy to review any agreement you may have with an existing supplier and advise you on the options available to you. Depending on the agreement, termination charges and your overall expenditure, this may include Invictus at Home assisting with partial or full payment of any termination charges incurred.
Can you provide new office or home lines?
Yes, we can arrange for new lines to be installed. Please contact our Customer Service Team to discuss a range of options for you or your business.