Earth Connection in Light Switch?

np1664 · 1 Oct 2009

Hi, I would like to replace a white plastic light switch with a metal one. On unscrewing the plastic front plate I see the earth is connected to the metal plate on the back box.

Should I leave the earth where it is and connect the two other wires to L1 and Com of the metal switch or should I move the earth from the back plate to the Earth connector on the new metal switch front plate?

thanks

np1664

stargazer · 1 Oct 2009

np1664 said:
should I move the earth from the back plate to the Earth connector on the new metal switch front plate?

Do that, and then fit a short earth "flylead" between the earth connector on the switch plate and the earth connector on the back box. Cover with green / yellow sleeving.

np1664 · 1 Oct 2009

excellent and thanks.

Flylead? is this the same as the copper wire of the earth or something different?. I do not have any specific wires or cable but do have some old lighting cable, where I can strip out the copper wire. Alternatively If i know its something specific then I know what to go out and buy.

thanks np1664

stargazer · 1 Oct 2009

Flylead? is this the same as the copper wire of the earth

Yes

I do not have any specific wires or cable but do have some old lighting cable, where I can strip out the copper wire.

That should be fine. It's the bare earth wire in the middle you need to extract and use. Remember to cover with green / yellow sleeving

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Earth Connection in Light Switch?

np1664

stargazer

np1664

stargazer

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