Wire for earthing backbox

[preppie]

Hi,

I have taken out an old metal back box and replaced with a white plastic surface back box by Schneider electric. I have also purchased a new double switch plate and it clearly shows where to screw-in my live and neutral wiring. The two earthing wires each have their own interface and the diagram provided with the box shows to place one in each screwed slot. It also shows a single extra earth wire going from one earth slot to the earth terminal screw in the back box. There was no earth on the back box previously so I have purchased some wire to make this connection. The wire I have purchased from Screwfix is Time single core conduit cable 1.5 mm green/yellow. Will this be sufficient or do I need a more specialist wire?

 

[preppie]

Diagram I am following

 

[preppie]

My new double socket switch plate also by Schneider…. Please note I am simply replacing an existing plastic plate which is now higher on the wall as the original
Socket was at ground level… not much use in a kitchen.

 

[flameport]

The wire is ok, however plastic backboxes do not need an earth connection.

 

[jj4091]

That diagram with the extra earth wire is referring to a metal back box like you removed. You just need to connect the earth wire from the supply cable to the socket earth terminal(s)

 

[mattylad]

I am simply replacing an existing plastic plate which is now higher on the wall as the original
Socket was at ground level…

So you moved it as well as replaced it?
Did the original wires go upwards allowing you to pull them up, shorten and reterminate or have you extended the wiring?

 

[preppie]

I am not an electrician so I have shortened the wiring only. I did not pull on the wiring as I felt that might strain it in some manner. I cut out the wall upwards all the way to the new position instead. The one job I have that does need extra wiring will be done by an electrician.

 

[preppie]

They could have done this job too but it would appear I live in an area where small electrical jobs are not wanted. Only one person came back with an actual quote and it was for hundreds of pounds for a cooker plate and socket.

 

[preppie]

I had thought that plastic boxes did not need earthing however they provide a point for you to do so and I was okay with that.

 

[preppie]

The wire is ok, however plastic backboxes do not need an earth connection.

The wire is ok, however plastic backboxes do not need an earth connect

So you moved it as well as replaced it?
Did the original wires go upwards allowing you to pull them up, shorten and reterminate or have you extended the wiring?

I have replied albeit in the wrong place. No extra wiring, just shortened. No pulling up as did not want to stress the wires so cut away wall instead.

 

[preppie]

The wire is ok, however plastic backboxes do not need an earth connection.

That is what I thought however the backbox does have a place to put the earth wire… whereas the metal box didn’t

 

[preppie]

That diagram with the extra earth wire is referring to a metal back box like you removed. You just need to connect the earth wire from the supply cable to the socket earth terminal(s)

Thank you for your reply. I agree but the metal box which came out had nowhere for the wire yet the new plastic box does.

 

[EFLImpudence]

That is what I thought however the backbox does have a place to put the earth wire… whereas the metal box didn’t

The metal box should have. It must have broken off.

 

[SUNRAY]

The metal box should have. It must have broken off.

The very old boxes didn't all have earth terminals, especially the shallow 'plaster depth' boxes.