METAL SOCKETS

[PROFILE]

FIRST OFF- WHAT A GOOD SITE FOR INFORMATION ON DIY
I AM CHANGING ALL SOCKETS IN THE KITCHEN TO METAL ONES IT SAYS ON THE SWITCHES THAT THE COVER HAS TO BE EARTHED,THATS NO PROBLEM WITH ALL SOCKETS BUT MY LIGHT SWITCH ONLY HAS LIVE IN AND LIVE OUT/NEXT TO THE SWITCH THERE IS A SOCKET ON THE MAIN RING CAN I LINK AN EARTH FROM THE RING MAIN TO THE LIGHT SWITCH THANKS FOR ANY HELP ON THIS SUBJECT AND THANKS FOR INFORMATION ALREADY USED FROM THE SITE

 

[andy]

1: DONT SHOUT.

2: if there is no earth in the lighting circuit, you can only have class 2 (double insulated) stuff on it. it may also be a good idea to get a spark round to check out the wiring since its old.

3: you should only take the earth from the same circuit. what happens if there is a fault but the ring main earth is hiding it? then you disconnect the ring main (inc earth) and someone dies.

check the cable again. there might be an earth there, just cut back. sometimes you can crimp/terminal block to that with a longer earth wire. if you do, make sure that the earths throughout are connected. just because its there doesnt mean it works

 

[PROFILE]

Thanks will arrange for sparky to check,if this has no earth is there a way round it without ripping the new plaster off ie reverting back to plastic covers
thanks

 

[andy]

Thanks will arrange for sparky to check,if this has no earth is there a way round it without ripping the new plaster off ie reverting back to plastic covers
thanks

if capping used and not tight against wall, you might be able to get an earth to it. otherwise youll have to chase the wall or use a plastic switch

 

[Qedelec]

You might find it possible to pull new cables in using the old cable for drawing.
Its not a DIY job though as if it jams you will have to chase out.

Andy is right and this is probably a 60's installation.

Check your bonding as well as its almost certainly not up to scratch.

While your at it, those BS3036 rewireable fuses could do with replacing and adding RCD protection to the downstairs sockets is also a good idea.

And you though life was going to be easy.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

And just to add to the lack of ease - if you do replace any wiring, or change the CU, you're supposed to notify Building Control...