Earthing sockets

[DoctorC]

What are the rules on earthing the socket box?

I have read such comments as 'if regulations require, attach earth between unit and backbox'

I am using plastic drywall patresses. I am in Scotland. Do i need to earth the patresses? Do i need to sheath the earth wire if needed?

thanks chaps!

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[BigJon]

no need to earth plastic patriss boxes.
Its considered good practice to earth metal back boxes but i think if there is a solid screw lug its not required, i may be wrong....
You have to sheath the bare copper earth wire with sleving.

 

[DoctorC]

thanks.

the triple gang switch that operates lights 1, lights 2, and a 5 Amp circuit is going to be a b*tch!

So many wires - so little space!

 

[DoctorC]

ok - i have a roll of sheathing.

thanks

 

[securespark]

Put in a deeper box...

 

[Spark123]

You'd need to earth a light switch back box if it was metal, however in this instance when using a plastic back box you just need sleeve each earth wire and join them all together in a piece of terminal block.

 

[RF Lighting]

Is it a white plastic switch front you are installing?

 

[DoctorC]

the front plates are metal, but the back boxes are plastic

 

[RF Lighting]

Have you connected all the earths to the earth terminal on the switch plate?

 

[DoctorC]

that's the plan, but i am still in the 'asking questions' stage.

the question was whether i should earth back to the box as well.

plan is to sleeve all three earths together, and wire to face plate earth terminal

 

[RF Lighting]

Sounds good to me then

I just wanted to make sure you knew you must earth any metal faceplates.