Hi,
I just replaced a one way single light switch in an under-stairs cupboard as it was an old bakelite one.
The switch had fairly new twin and earth running to it and the outer sleaving removed where it entered the switch. The red wire was cut and connected to what I presume was the equivalent of Com and L1 in the old switch. (Nothing was marked.) The black wire and the earth were not cut at all. The outer sleaving then continues up from the switch to the pendant light. (Also A new one I have just done.)
I have replaced the old switch with a new plastic one and a surface mounted plastic back box. The new back box had no earth terminal in it so I left the earth wire uncut but covered it with green and yellow insulation tape.
I presume this is in order as the new switch and back-box are plastic, but thought I had better check with the experts.
Also, regarding replacing the old bakelite switches how urgent is it? They all work fine and I was just going to do it as and when, but if they are a danger I will take some time off work and get it done sooner. (After I have worked out what wires go where on the old two way switches anyhow.)
P.S. Both the ring main and the lighting circuit are relatively new cable, not the old rubber stuff. I did get a man round from Southern Electric to check the wiring was safe and apparently it is, but the list he left stated the bakelite fittings and old pendant lights needed to be replaced. Unfortunately I was not at home and the wife did not ask how urgent all this was. Both kitchen and bathroom have modern switches and sockets so I assume Part P is not an issue.
Many thanks
Mottsy
I just replaced a one way single light switch in an under-stairs cupboard as it was an old bakelite one.
The switch had fairly new twin and earth running to it and the outer sleaving removed where it entered the switch. The red wire was cut and connected to what I presume was the equivalent of Com and L1 in the old switch. (Nothing was marked.) The black wire and the earth were not cut at all. The outer sleaving then continues up from the switch to the pendant light. (Also A new one I have just done.)
I have replaced the old switch with a new plastic one and a surface mounted plastic back box. The new back box had no earth terminal in it so I left the earth wire uncut but covered it with green and yellow insulation tape.
I presume this is in order as the new switch and back-box are plastic, but thought I had better check with the experts.
Also, regarding replacing the old bakelite switches how urgent is it? They all work fine and I was just going to do it as and when, but if they are a danger I will take some time off work and get it done sooner. (After I have worked out what wires go where on the old two way switches anyhow.)
P.S. Both the ring main and the lighting circuit are relatively new cable, not the old rubber stuff. I did get a man round from Southern Electric to check the wiring was safe and apparently it is, but the list he left stated the bakelite fittings and old pendant lights needed to be replaced. Unfortunately I was not at home and the wife did not ask how urgent all this was. Both kitchen and bathroom have modern switches and sockets so I assume Part P is not an issue.
Many thanks
Mottsy