Earth question in a 4 gang switch

[kinhell]

I'm thinking of changing a white plastic switch to a steel satin finish one. The wires that come down are 4 sets of twin wires for 4 lights. No earth. The earth is up in the ceiling roses for each light. There is a earth connector on the new switch. Does it need to be connected as its a steel switch?

 

[jj4091]

Yes it does need to be earthed, are you sure the cables in the switch are 2 core & not t & e with the earth cut off?

 

[kinhell]

There isn't an earth so what do I do as I dont fancy channelling the wall out?

 

[electronicsuk]

There isn't an earth so what do I do as I dont fancy channelling the wall out?

You don't use that switch, or any metal switch, unless it's specifically stated as class II double insulated for use without an earth.

 

[kinhell]

Does it matter where I get the earth from? I've got an earth wire going to a switch the other side of the wall in a different room. Can I steal an earth from there or is that illegal?

My reason being that I've already bought all the new sockets etc in a Steel satin finish and I want to put the 4 gang switch one on to match rather than a white plastic one.

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[kinhell]

There definietely isn't an earth there. The wires were in before we ever moved here seven years ago. They seemed to have twin core cables just in this light switch. I've checked others around the house and they seem ok.

Is it ok to take an earth from the switch in the other room just the other side of the wall or not ?

 

[holmslaw]

..

 

[kinhell]

Its better to have an earth than no earth though and as all the earths end in the same place then it shouldn't matter should it?