changing metal to plastic, no earth

[ruscin]

Hello, I'm replacing metal light switch covers with plastic ones - the back boxes are still metal, and there is no grounding thingy on the new plastic covers. What do I do with the earthing wires inside the metal back box? Do they still need to be connected to the new plastic covers?

 

[Adam_151]

There should be a terminal on the metal backbox to connect them to, if its missing I suppose you could use a self tapping screw in the back of the box

 

[ruscin]

Thanks! But I don't understand... the earthing wires are connected to the back box, but there is no place on my new plastic switch covers to connect them. Some guides say that if using a metal back box, the earthing wires should always be connected to the cover - some say a plastic cover doesn't need to be connected. help?

 

[Adam_151]

a plastic cover doesn't need to be connected to earth becuase its not conductive, a metal one is conductive and does need earthing, eitherway the backbox needs earthing (unless nylon scews are used), if a metal switch is used, this is earthed and this earths the backbox through the screws (belt and braces approach would be to fit a wire link as well), if cover is plastic, you just connect the earths to the backbox

 

[ruscin]

Great, thanks again. So about the existing green/yellow grounding wire hanging out fo the box (was attached to the old metal cover until 2 hours ago) - do I cover the end with tape and leave it in the back of the box?

Sorry - I don't usually do DIY!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Just remove the flylead from the terminal on the box.