2 earths

[Bobbya82]

Hi, I have brought some new sockets to replace some existing ones. On the new socket there are 2 earth terminals, how ever the existing one only has one and there is only one earth cable. Is this ok and do I just fix the earth cable into one of them an leave the other one empty? Thanks. Photo attached of instructions.

Untitled

• Bobbya82
• 8 Dec 2013
• 1

 

[xr4x4]

You only need one, as that picture shows that if they where separate, it would break the earth curcuit on the ring.

 

[securespark]

The two terminals are interconnected.

 

[Bobbya82]

Thanks Paul, sorry but I don't fully understand I only have one earth cable but the picture shows 2 and then connecting it to rethink terminal in the box?

 

[Bobbya82]

Sorry guys, but I only have one earth cable, is that ok and do I need to worry about the earth to the terminal box? Can I just plug the one earth cable that I have into any of the earth terminal. Thanks again.

 

[EFLImpudence]

It's just two screw terminals on the one earth.

 

[knowall]

In the olden days 2008 we connected two earths (one from each leg of the ring into one terminal) however, in 2008 the selected people who make changes to the regulations decided it would be better, safer, and another change to the regs if we had two earth terminals , and to be trendy- called it "dual earth. If you want to earth the back box, thats "best practice" but no doubt a debate that will run for days…….. on this site.

If you want to connect an earth ( cpc ) if your street wise, you could use two terminals ……… but actually if the theory is correct the manufacturer should provide you with 3 !

I bet you wish you had kept your old sockets


KFA

 

[Bobbya82]

Just to be clear then am I ok just to plug the one earth cable that I have into one of the earth terminals, thanks apologies for being so slow? I only have one earth cable

 

[knowall]

yes.

 

[EFLImpudence]

and to be trendy- called it "dual earth.

No, it is for circuits with high earth currents.

 

[knowall]

Really, so how do you manage that with a 30ma RCD Protecting the circuit 17 edition …….. bla …….. bla…..

It's an attempt to maintain earth continuity if one conection becomes loose.
KA

 

[Taylortwocities]

Its there to provide a termination for a separate high integrity earth connections for the installation of equipment having high earth leakage currents.

Your assertion is not correct. Read about it before you spurt incorrect information.

http://tisltd.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/HIE-Earthing.pdf

IET did not regulate that there must be two earth terminals. It is only a requirement for there to be two earth terminals if a separate high integrity earth circuit is being installed.

And as for

Really, so how do you manage that with a 30ma RCD Protecting the circuit 17 edition …….. bla …….. bla…..

You don';t really understand very much, do you?
Stop thinking about your house - where 30mA rcd is required - and start thinking about a large office environment with multiple pieces of IT equipment, all contributing to a high earth leakage current. You wouldn't put a 30mA RCD on the front of that, would you?

 

[Bobbya82]

Ok thanks, so I am fine to just put the one earth cable into one of the terminals. Thanks for your help.

 

[JBR]

You only need one, as that picture shows that if they where separate, it would break the earth curcuit on the ring.

Am I missing something. If he has only one earth cable, is it possible that it is a spur and not a ring?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes.

The trouble is people are discussing the OP's actual situation, his diagram which shows a ring and also high integrity systems.