Fitting external socket

[Cathal_]

Hi I'm trying to fix a single pole switch outside to run a fountain from.
There is already an eternal socket so I was thinking of just running wires from that to the new switch - is there a problem with this, my only confusion is what to do with the earth from the fountain

 

[jj4091]

my only confusion is what to do with the earth from the fountain

Build a rockery Sorry could not resist that, do you mean how will you earth the fountain or do you have to earth the fountain?

 

[Cathal_]

The current socket is obviously earthed but the new switch has only two connectors, and the fountain has an earth, so I assume it has to be earthed.

 

[Steve]

Do you know what the 2 connections on the switch are for? (Heres a clue: its not live and neutral. If you thought this, go and get the yellow pages out right now)

 

[Cathal_]

Doesnt matter, connected it all up and the earth to the main socket earth and its working fine

 

[jj4091]

Doesnt matter, connected it all up and the earth to the main socket earth and its working fine

That is where you could be terribly wrong, there is a lot more to wiring a device that is used outside, than the fact that it works. More importantly, is it safe, does it have rcd protection?