Earthing metal clad socket Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[Gilbo777]

Hi

Sorry for a 3rd post, looking at getting all my electrical diy done at moment

I have a damaged surface mounted plastic socket in the basement. I’m looking at replacing it with a metal clad one. Which has 2 earths on front plate and one in back box. I’ve read some advice that says a fly lead isn’t required, but some people advise. So if I do can I connect inbound earth to front plate, and flying earth from either front earths to back?

I have an old extension lead, can I take some earth wire off that? It says it has a 5mm earth core, but that sounds high to me , or do I take the root to get the mm squared?

[Mr White]

If it is metal clad you should connect to the front plate.
The screws that secure it will give an electrical connection to the back box.
Some say you must install a fly lead.

There is no such thing as a 5mm cable, but there is such a thing as 2.5mm cable, perhaps the 2. has become worn / obscured.

[Gilbo777]

Hi

This is a photo of what it says on the back of the extension lead

Is this suitable to take some earth for the faceplate to the back box ?

[Gilbo777]

Ah I see 5mm must be the length not the diameter, but it says 1.25 at bottom, so will this be ok?

[Mr White]

If you look at the arrows, the numbers are adjacent, which means that they are the recommended length, not the cable size.

Yes you can use it for the EARTH, but not for anything else regarding sockets, as it is too small.

[Gilbo777]

Thank you