To Earth or Not To Earth

[Jim]

My plumber said in passing that my light switch wasnt earthed.Its a normal two way plastic switch set in a flush metal box. It has no earth wire.Should it?He seemed to suggest the cover screws could get live.
Had a look round others.
Also some had an earth others didnt. Additionally some wires(most) had copper conductors others had steel wire. Would appreciate observations on these points.
Jim

 

[RF Lighting]

Sounds like you ought to be inviting an electrician to carry out a periodic inspection on your property.

Oh, and your plumber is right. If the back box is not earthed, then this is dangerous and needs to be sorted as soon as possible.

 

[Jim]

Thanks. I am organising an electrician. In the meantime can you say whether instead of re-wiring it is possible to use non metallic screws or maybe cap the screws that go into the metal box.
Jim

 

[RF Lighting]

Possibly, but for the safety of your family, you need to sort the problem, not just cover it up ad hope it goes away.

 

[ricicle]

Does the switch not have plastic lugs?

 

[Jim]

No it doesn't have plastic lugs. Sounds scary so I will get a professional to look it all over for me.
Jim