Is this acceptable? (photo inside)

[truckroy]

Hello!

I've just wired up this switch and was wondering if it's ok?

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• truckroy
• 7 Oct 2014
• 1

I've used a 10amp crimp connector (heatshrink + glue) on the neutral as I didn't have a connector block.

It's for a 30W bulb on a 6A MCB using 1mm T&E.


I've not wired up a switch before so I hope it's ok.

All comments welcome!

Cheers.

 

[deadshort]

Hi, you appear to have missed an earth fly lead to your switch plate earth terminal.

Kind Regards,

DS

 

[deadshort]

Hi, you appear to have missed an earth fly lead to your switch plate earth terminal.

Kind Regards,

DS

 

[f0rmula]

You need a grommet for the hole into the metal box.

Also, it looks like a flex, rather than T&E.

 

[Jackrae]

I'd also suggest that the earth termination leads are far too short. If there is any pulling on either of the flexes the earth links will be broken.

 

[truckroy]

Thanks for the fast replies.

the circuit is so short that there won't be any pulling on the cable so hopefully that won't be an issue. Here is another photo to show how short the circuit is (the bulb holder is just out of shot):

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• truckroy
• 7 Oct 2014
• 1

There is nowhere to put an earth lead to the switch plate? It's a double pole so it has a Live in and then L1 & L2 but nowhere for an earth?

Should I be concerned?

Thanks again.

 

[sparkwright]

Take note of all the above comments - all very important.

You should leave more slack on some of the wires. Take those earth wires for instance - they are very short, and if a wire became broken you would struggle re-stripping the end, and making it reach the earth terminal.

What crimping tool did you use? Unless you have a decent crimping tool you may get a poor joint. Connector blocks are best really, because you can inspect the joint more easily, and they are easier to fit or re-fit.

For the browns, did you 'double the ends over'? This is important as the flex is only thin and delicate, and the terminal screw can damage the wire very easily - not that that would be an excuse for not tightening the screws properly. Twisting up the strands then doubling them over gives the wire end more strength to prevent it getting knackered when you tighten the terminal.

Be sure to earth that faceplate.

 

[sparkwright]

Just read next posts. Your description does not sound like a double pole switch.

I really would have expected an earth terminal on that switch faceplate.

PICTURES.

 

[deadshort]

Hi, please do not take offence, do you have an rcd on the supply to your shed ? The switch plate may be very cheap tin plate import with no earth terminal.

Kind regards,

DS

 

[truckroy]

I didn't twist the ends, I've not heard of that being done before!

I used a ratchet crimper so that should be ok. I would have used a block if I had one TBH.

In my first photo, you can see the back of the faceplate. There's just a COMM. terminal on the right, L1 on the left that I have a brown wire going to and an empty L2 in front of it.

I was surprised as well that there wasn't one on there but I figure it earths through the screws onto the box?

 

[sparkwright]

Would be interested to know what size fuse or breaker supplies that consumer unit you have in your shed.

 

[AndyPRK]

I think that CU is upside down

 

[truckroy]

Hi, please do not take offence, do you have an rcd on the supply to your shed ? The switch plate may be very cheap tin plate import with no earth terminal.

Kind regards,

DS

No offence taken, I've not done this before so I'm looking for advice.

The house is on an RCD, the shed is on it's own RCD and there is a DP RCD in the consumer unit.

The switch says it's WK and made in the UK

 

[truckroy]

I think that CU is upside down

It came already built like that with the MCBs in, the bus bar fitted and neutral wired to the terminals.

 

[sparkwright]

I was surprised as well that there wasn't one on there but I figure it earths through the screws onto the box?

What you say is true, and was quite normal many years ago - but considered bad practice now. If the faceplate was loosened off, for whatever reason, that faceplate wouldn't be earthed.