PLEASE help: Earthing Light Switches

[racingmars]

I want to fit some new (well, old art deco ones actually) light switches to our house, but they do not have a earth terminal on the block.

As all of our switches do have an earth, i'm a little stuck as to what to do.

Can i go ahead and fit them, or is it a complete no go?

please help me.

cheers

 

[ricicle]

Are the light switches made of metal?

 

[JohnD]

When you say "old art deco" switches, do you mean they are 70 years old?

 

[racingmars]

Yeah, they are old, 1920's to 1940's, not sure of the exact date.

They are porcelin backed, with chrome covers and switches

thanks for your help with this

 

[JohnD]

I have had to replace some of these. Perhaps yours have a screw-on domed metal front (that can be removed by hand, without tools, to give access to the live terminals).

I grew up in a house that had these fitted, when electricity was introduced and the old gas-lamps had been replaced in the 1920's. It was considered quite normal to occasionally get electric shocks, of varying severerity, from the electrical fittings, and to have the switches fizzing and arcing as they are not adequately sprung. This is no longer considered acceptable.

They are not to current standard and I do not believe they can reasonably be made safe.

It is possible to get a modern repro.

 

[racingmars]

thanks all for this, it's really helpful, if a little disaappointing.

not to worry, the search for decent repo's begins.

thanks again,