Earthing metal faceplate to plastic box

by **PhoenixFlames** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 11:54 am

Hi all, my first post on here.

I have recently bought some metal dimmer switches. However I know they have to be earthed but my plasterboard back boxes don't have an earth pin to connect to.

I can't switch to metal back boxes as I can't find metal boxes that fit in the platerboard/wall cavities.

Can anyone tell me where to connect the earth cable from the faceplate to? Can I just connect it to a loose connector?

Many thanks.

by **kbrownie** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:32 pm

There should be an earth terminal on your switch plate to connect to.
KB

by **ericmark** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:30 pm

There should be an earth wire in the supply cable. Where I use double insulated backing boxes and switched I normally fold double and slip some earth sleeve on it ready in case switch is ever changed. If this is not provided you must change any metal switches for plastic and on the consumer unit you need to place a notice informing people that only class II equipment can be used. There are pre-made notices available at most electrical whole sale outlets.
Eric