Changing a light switch?

changing from a plastic switch to a metal one - the earth is conected to the metal box behind where the switch cover is, should I now connect this to the new metal switch cover?|||you need an additional earth wire from the back of the box to the earth terminal on the switch then that way both metal parts are earthed.


make sure you switch off the power before changing the switch|||You should connect the house %26#039;earth%26#039; wire to the metal switch cover and then run a length of wire from the switch plate to the backbox.





If you were stupid enough to take the house wire to the back box first, any loosening of the connection would mean that you are vulnerable to shock with the switch still in place.





Do it front plate and then backbox, and should the wire become loose, it%26#039;s only the backbox which isn%26#039;t earthed. You can%26#039;t touch that bit in %26#039;normal%26#039; operation of the switch, ergo it%26#039;s safer.|||Yes that is correct,there should be an earth terminal in the switch box in more up to date properties. Take a short piece of green or green/yellow insulated copper 1.5mm squared single cable, connect it to both the switch and the terminal in the box,that%26#039;s it. If you do not have 1.5mm cable use 2.5mm single cable, no problem.|||Yes. The house cable should be connected to the metal box. You should have a separate length of wire connecting the switch plate to the box. This should be slightly longer than the current carrying wires so that if the switch is accidentally yanked off the wall, the earth wire breaks last.|||I would agree with %26#039;old know all%26#039; as the screws may not make


a suitable contact with the front to the back plate.


i would be careful asking electrical questions on this %26#039;glammed up%26#039; forum site. You could get kinda confused and take chances, and it may not be only yourself you are putting at risk.|||Yes, you must earth the metal switch for your own safety.





Unscrew it off the back of the metal box and screw onto the screw provided for the metal box. Then give it a tug to make sure it%26#039;s held securely.|||yes, as old know all said, you should also have a pastic backer between the back box and the switch.|||the GROUND, or 3rd wire, should be connected to the ground screw on the side of the switch itself - NOT the box (fire hazard). Make sure you have disconnected the power to that link prior to changing the switch - even 110v is enough to stop your heart if you touch the wires together. You should also make sure that you have an insulator between the faceplate and the box if you are going for the industrial look with metal faceplates. If you are not sure of what you are doing - get someone who does. improperly installed switches and outlets can and do start electrical fires and also can and do cause electrocutions. An improperly installed switch can also trip the fuse or breaker the circuit is tied to.|||Yes if you dont it wont be earthed.|||it%26#039;s called a ground wire people !!!!!! (of course you wouldn%26#039;t want to mars it that would be one long wire!!)|||YES, the metal switch face must be earthed, don%26#039;t rely on the screws to earth it.|||In America its known as a ground but in the UK its known as an earth or the correct term is CPC (Circuit Protective Conductor)





Both the galvenised steel back box and the front plate MUST BE earthed, the screws do not count. Take the earth wire to the back box first then to the front plate.





You will need another piece of cable to do this- either use 1.5mm Green and Yellow singles or the copper core of a piece of 1.5mm twin and earth it must have a piece of green and yellow sleeving on it though. All 3 are available at any decent DIY store.