light switch: B &Q plasterboard box Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[freda]

I am moving my light switch and I have just brought a plasterboard drylining box from B& Q.. does anyone know where the earth connects into please?

[jackhawk]

Hi,

The earth does not need to go anywhere as long as you are not using a metel switch face. Sometimes you have a small screw to connect to in the box. If not, ensure the earth is sleeved yellow/green and tuck it in the box out the way. If metal switch is used the earth must be sleeved and connected to the earth on the back of the switch. When you move your switch you must ensure that the switch wire still runs virtically or horizontally from the switch, so that someone will know where the hidden wire can be expected if drilling into the wall at a later date. Or the wire will need to be machanically protected or burried no less than 50mm from surface. Such a lot for a small job.

Regards
Jackhawk

[333rocky333]

If the switch front is metal you MUST connect to that.

If the switch is also plastic and has no earth terminal, then earth sleeve the cable and terminate in a small connector block and just leave tucked away safely within the dry lining box, do not cut off as it must be there for possible future use.

If you have no sleeving strip the earth sleeve off some old 3 core flex and try to slide that on if possible rather than leave it bare or temporary tape it up till you get something suitable.

If more than one earth present make sure they are all joined together in the same connecter or terminal.

[rflight]

No earth connection in these boxes. If using a plastic switch then terminate the earth in a connector block.

[sparx]

hi freda,
if using a metal switch there will be a terminal on the plate, if using plastic sw. then sleeve earth green/yellow & connect to a spare single term. block in box ie cut one from a strip of small term blocks and let it lye loose in back of box, then it's ready if metal sw, fitted later
regards
SPARX