No earth

[mack10]

I have just changed a switch from a metal case one to another. There was no earth wire do i have to use a plastic switch. If it needs an earth does it have to go back to the consumer unit.

Thanks in advance.

 

[electronicsuk]

Yes, you must use a plastic switch. Adding an earth doesn't necessarily mean running back to the CU, one might be available at the ceiling rose for example. If none of the circuits in your house are earthed then I would very seriously be considering a rewire.

 

[mack10]

There are lots (maybe 10) of earth wires on the meter board on blocks next to the meter so there must be earthing somewhere and it looks like the sinks and pipes in the kitchen are bonded. ive only just moved in by the way. Are all the earth wires on the board normal and there appears to be about 9 cables coming from the bottom of the consumer unit. Does this all sound right??

 

[electronicsuk]

I'm not sure I fully understood your explanation, any chance of a picture? If the earth conductors for each individual circuit exit the CU and join in an external earth block then it would seem an unusual arrangement, but maybe that's not what you meant?

 

[mack10]

can post a picture later,

 

[securespark]

Perhaps he means MEB's on an external block?

 

[RF Lighting]

Would you have 9 MEBs though?

 

[Steve]

Would you have 9 MEBs though?

No, but some bonehead spark/DIYer might have bonded everything in the bathroom and kitchen back to the MET.