Dimmer switch change

[tryme]

Hello

I have a metal dimmer switch in my bedroom that isn't work. I have purchased a new one. I have changed a switch before from a normal on/off switch To a dimmer and it was a straight swap.

But this time my old dimmer is metal and has a metal backing plate. It also has an earth from the switch into the backing plate.

My new dimmer is plastic and has no where for an earth. Does it need to be earthed? Should I just take the old earth out?

Baring in mind it would appear that I am screwing a plastic dimmer into a metal backing plate.

Many thanks

David

 

[terryplumb]

If the dimmer is fitted to a metal box ,sunk into the wall ,the earth conductor /s should be connected to the earth terminal on the metal box .

 

[tryme]

Both ends of it ? Because currently one end is on the backing plate and one end is on the back of the dimmer

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Where's the one from the cable?

 

[tryme]

It's in the wall plate (the bracket that sits in the wall) and the other end is in the back of the dimmer switch plate itself

 

[333rocky333]

That sounds like just the link from the backbox to the switch, not the actual earth, is there any other earth wires which come down with the main cables in the actual wall, a picture of the back box or the "Bracket" you refer to may be helpfull

 

[tryme]

I will get a picture to make it clear.

Thank you

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It's in the wall plate (the bracket that sits in the wall) and the other end is in the back of the dimmer switch plate itself

If one end of a conductor is in the back box, and the other end is in the switch, then that conductor is not in the cable, is it.