No earthing on dimmer module?

[OM2]

I replaced 2 dimmer modules with non dimming modules
The existing modules both had a metal part where the earth wiring connected
The new modules I got is all plastic
I'm scratching my head thinking where the earthing should be?
It touching the metal plate. Does this do the earthing? What if the plate where plastic? Where would up earth?

See below for a picture I took
I can't control the size of the pic as I'm posting from my mobile...
I guess it's going to be a massive pic!
Apologies in advance
Thanks

(White was the existing and black is the new)

 

[sparkwright]

You don't earth the dimmer modules, but if the front faceplate is metal, that MUST be earthed.

Possibly wrapping the earth wire round the dimmer modules was an attempt to earth a metal faceplate.

Metal faceplates should have an earth terminal fitted to them. If not, you will have to do some improvising...

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If you have a metal backbox there should be a a terminal connect the earths to, also some plastic backboxes offer this facility. It is quite normal for a plastic switch not have an earth terminal on it.Wrapping the earth/CPC around the switch is not the answer.

 

[OM2]

thanks for the replies guys
the front plate is metal
the inner box is metal
at the moment, the earthing wire is touching the metal plate - is this ok?
thanks

 

[RF Lighting]

No, it needs to be terminated into the earth terminal on the metal front plate.

If the front plate doesn't have an earth terminal, then chuck the whole lot in the bin, and replace with a proper switch which does.

 

[sparkwright]

Your picture shows the metal back box is earthed, so that is correct.

The metal faceplate also needs connecting to earth, but should really be done better than wrapping the earth wire round the switch module.

There should be an earth terminal on the faceplate, does it look like there was one once? Replacing the faceplate may be easiest.

 

[OM2]

@sparkwright thanks for the reply
There is nothing for earthing on the faceplate
Am I OK to have it as is though?
The earthing wire is definitely touching the metal faceplate

New faceplate: any recommendations where to buy one from?

 

[RF Lighting]

No you must not leave it as it is.

Just buy a complete new dimmer switch. It's not exactly going to break the bank.

 

[swampy2]

Is the faceplate the dimmer module is attached to metal?, if it is there should be an earth connection on it, connect the earthwire to it.

If its a plastic faceplate, there will be no earth connection as its not required,
If the existing earth on module comes from back box just disconnect, the metal part on the module the earthwire is on just now is just there for attaching the faceplate/module together.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

There is nothing for earthing on the faceplate
Am I OK to have it as is though?
The earthing wire is definitely touching the metal faceplate

New faceplate: any recommendations where to buy one from?

The metal backbox should earthed, these means the earth conductors are securely terminated via grub screw/terminal to backbox.
If the face plate is plastic it is unlikely there will be a means to connect earth, this is fine. The module switches will not require connecting to earth. The general rules are metallic parts are earthed and plastic ones are not on switches.

 

[OM2]

thanks for the replies guys
reading the last reply... this tells me i am ok?
the metal plate is earthed surely?

No you must not leave it as it is.

why would u say this? please explain
(i'm a complete newbie... so have no idea)

Just buy a complete new dimmer switch. It's not exactly going to break the bank.

many problems. double length plates are like dinosaurs - no one sells them. only 1 or 2 places sell. in the places, they cost about £30

Main problem though is I wanted to replace bulbs (14 of them) with LED bulbs
cost of non dimmable bulbs is £4 (this was the cheapest price - most prices are at least £6 a bulb). dimmable bulbs, i found a place where they cost £10 each. so, i bought modules that don't dim (after getting advice and links on this forum)

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If you have a metal face plate without an earth terminal (witch is unusual)
Providing you have one fixed rigid lug on the metal backbox, to fit the plate to, the flying earth to the plate is not required. Not particularly good practice but permitted.