i have a touch dimmer switch and inside have the 3 terminals live,slave and load but there is no more terminals for earth, does it go in one of these? alo there is the metal plate inside so i dont want to risk a mistake.
earth goes where?
- Thread starter bigtfav
- Start date
dont put the earth in any of the terminals live , slave ,load.
ensure that the metal back box for the switch is earthed
what do you mean by metal plate?
ensure that the metal back box for the switch is earthed
what do you mean by metal plate?
If the dimmer switch has a metal front plate rather than a plastic one, there should be an earth terminal on the back of the front plate (not to be confused with the live terminals - check for the earth symbol). You an put the eartth in here, or run it to the back box with a flying lead to the plate earth.
PJ
PJ
By metal plate do you mean the back box?
If so, there should be an earth point in the box for the earth wires to connect to.
If so, there should be an earth point in the box for the earth wires to connect to.
Metal touch dimmers do not earth the plate as it would interfere with operation.
Connect the earth to the backbox.
EDIT: I WAS REFERRING TO ONLY SOME DIMMERS, AS EXPLAINED IN MY NEXT POST.
Connect the earth to the backbox.
EDIT: I WAS REFERRING TO ONLY SOME DIMMERS, AS EXPLAINED IN MY NEXT POST.
That is not correct.
Bigtfav, what make of touch dimmer is this?
If it is Varilight then the instructions say
"Dimmers having a metal front plate must be earthed by means of the earthing point on the dimmer."
CCAM108 please note the instructions for this TOUCH DIMMER say "Dimmers having a metal front plate must be earthed by means of the earthing point on the dimmer."
In any event, if you earth the backbox then the front plate will be earthed when the fixing screw fixed
I think we are talking about two different products. Which of the following does the OP have?
Or a completely flat plate that I can't find an image of, that you can touch anywhere.
If the former - these MUST be earthed.
If the latter, these use capacitive sensing (similar to a touch lamp) and the metal sense plate must be left floating. The unit is double insulated and the plate is connected to the dimming circuit through two series capacitors to ensure complete isolation. I have had experience with these in the past, but forgot that the first type was available, which (as far as I can see) does the same thing but only using a small area of metal as the sensor, isolated from the earthed metal faceplate.
Basically - if the plate has an earth screw, USE IT, if not then earth the backbox. Simples.
Sorry for any confusion my earlier post caused.
Colin C
And if it's a plastic back box?
Leave the earth in a choc-block in case someone in future fits a switch that requires an earth.
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
