Functional earth

[Longshanks]

Hi

Know this is an ole chestnut but still appreciate your advice.

Just bought new double socket switch from Homebase. It's to replace a damaged one, and is where spur takes power to our conservatory.

I noticed that this one has a second earth terminal and this is meant to connect to "functional earth". I know this refers to connector on back box etc, but can I ignore as mine is plastic??

Many thanks

 

[EFLImpudence]

What is a double socket switch?

I noticed that this one has a second earth terminal and this is meant to connect to "functional earth".

Why do you say that?

A "functional earth" is one where it is necessary for the 'functioning' of the device.
This is not the case with a socket or switch.

I know this refers to connector on back box etc, but can I ignore as mine is plastic??

You cannot earth a plastic back box.
It may have a terminal for parking an unused earth wire.

 

[Longshanks]

Thanks for speedy responses.

1. Was just referring to front section of socket.

2. The diagram that came with the socket refers to one of the two earth terminals (the one next to neutral) connecting to functional earth. Apols for misinterpreting this.

I have to accommodate three earth wires (previously in one terminal) so grateful for advice in this respect.

Cheers

 

[Longshanks]

 

[EFLImpudence]

That's a bit (or very) misleading. I would think it is they who are misinterpreting.


Both earth terminals are connected by a metal bar so have exactly the same function.

You may use either or both.

 

[Longshanks]

Sorry, duff gen. Mine is switched and double pole.

Thanks

 

[Longshanks]

Crossed in post

Hopefully, doesn't make a difference to your advice.

Thank you.

 

[EFLImpudence]

No. Just the same.

 

[Longshanks]

Ta. Being of feeble brain, can I ask one, final question?

Would it be acceptable to share the 3 earth wires between the two terminals? ( Had some difficulty getting all three into one)

Thanks again.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes, that's fine.

 

[bernardgreen]

There is no difference between the Earths as shown in the leaflet. They are both connected to each other by a strip of metal.

A functional earth, also known as a clean earth, does not normally connect to the earth in the cabling which is the CPC ( Circuit Protective Conductor ). The functional earth must be able to carry enough fault current to ensure that circuit protection devices ( fuses, MCB, RCD etc ) will operate when a fault occurs in the equipment supplied by the socket.

https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/...tion-to-functional-earth.477540/#post-3845320

 

[Longshanks]

Many thanks for your time and knowledge.

Bye

 

[stillp]

They are both connected to each other by a strip of metal.

Best to check. There are some twin socket-outlets on the market that have separated PE terminals, intended so that one socket-outlet can be connected to a 'noiseless' earth, if you can find one.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Is the implication that this:

is not a functional earth?

I wonder who makes this socket, and where...

 

[ianniann]

Is the implication that this:
is not a functional earth?

I wonder who makes this socket, and where...

I think the implication is that the manufacturer, or at least the guy that wrote the leaflet, is incompetent. The earth and "functional earth" are clearly connected in the socket.

It would certainly be interesting to know the brand. Homebase sell a lot of Schneider stuff, but maybe other stuff too.