2 gang dimmer switch, loose earth wire

[Helpneeded23]

Hi, my 1 way 2 gang dimmer switch has stopped working, and when I have come to replace it I noticed that although there is an earth wire from the wall socket to the dimmer switch, there is also another earth wire which is loose. I assume this should be connected - where should it connect to?

 

[sparkwright]

Is the back box metal?

If so, I would expect the earth wire(s) from the cable to go to the back box terminal, then a link to the switch plate earth terminal.
or
the earth wire(s) from the cable to go to the switch plate earth terminal, then a link to the back box terminal.

Make sure the ends of the wires are in good order, not on the verge of breaking off, before you re-tighten the terminals.

The metal faceplates must be earthed.

 

[WabbitPoo]

but dont imagine thats the cause of your problem, cos it isnt.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If so, I would expect the earth wire(s) from the cable to go to the back box terminal, then a link to the switch plate earth terminal.

Not the right way.

the earth wire(s) from the cable to go to the switch plate earth terminal, then a link to the back box terminal.

The right way.

 

[Helpneeded23]

Thanks all. There do appear to be two separate earth cables coming out of the wall, one which seems to simply go from the back box earth terminal to the dimmer switch earth terminal, but then also another coming out of the main set of cables which is not attached to anything. Is it safe to leave this open, or can I connect it to the dimmer switch earth terminal along with the other one? I can't tell if the two earth cables are connected inside the wall.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Thanks all. There do appear to be two separate earth cables coming out of the wall, one which seems to simply go from the back box earth terminal to the dimmer switch earth terminal, but then also another coming out of the main set of cables which is not attached to anything.

When you say "main set of cables", plural, do you mean that you have more than one twin & earth cable there?

Is it safe to leave this open

No.

or can I connect it to the dimmer switch earth terminal along with the other one?

You must connect it - if you don't then the switch will not be earthed.

I can't tell if the two earth cables are connected inside the wall.

According to you only one of them comes from inside the wall...