2 way switch issues

[securespark]

Excellent stuff!

 

[everlastuk]

Excellent stuff!

OK so the tenant fitted metal switches and there's metal back boxes, the back box isn't the earthed so Ive earthed them myself I couldn't find any contact points so used this tiny lil hook instead, will this be ok?

 

[terryplumb]

The switch plate has an earth terminal and the incoming earth conductors need to be connected to it. Are they ?

 

[everlastuk]

The switch plate has an earth terminal and the incoming earth conductors need to be connected to it. Are they ?

Yes switch plate has a earth cable going to it, but the metal back plate needs to be earthed too though doesn't? So I've just attached a single core to the little hook and back to the earth terminal on the switch. Just wanted to know if I've done it correct

 

[securespark]

That arrangement you have there does not a reliable connection make.

What I have done with these older boxes is drill and tap a hole and fit a very short brass 4mm pan head machine screw and washer, but it's a pain in the arse and you need specialist kit.
The best thing to do would be to attach the earth conductors direct to the switch earth terminal.

Just had another look at the old switch boxes: are those screw lugs fixed?

It might be best to replace the switch boxes with new ones.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

What I have done with these older boxes is drill and tap a hole and fit a very short brass 4mm pan head machine screw and washer, but it's a pain in the arse and you need specialist kit.

A good, tight-fitting self-tapper, works as well.

 

[everlastuk]

That arrangement you have there does not a reliable connection make.

What I have done with these older boxes is drill and tap a hole and fit a very short brass 4mm pan head machine screw and washer, but it's a pain in the arse and you need specialist kit.
The best thing to do would be to attach the earth conductors direct to the switch earth terminal.

Just had another look at the old switch boxes: are those screw lugs fixed?

It might be best to replace the switch boxes with new ones.

Unfortunately the screw lugs got faulty so I used those screw lug fixers, I tried drilling a hole it's a bloody nightmare, when you say drill and tap do you mean use a self tapping screw once I've drilled a hole? Don't really wanna go through the hassle of changing the back boxes they seemed to be fixed with cement or plaster

 

[terryplumb]

Are there screws fixing the metal box's to the wall? If so remove one ,clean the surface of the back box ,put the screw back in along with a large washer,and wrap the earth conductor round the screw ,trapped under the washer.

 

[333rocky333]

A small plastic connecter chocblock thingy may fit onto that hook thing

 

[everlastuk]

Are there screws fixing the metal box's to the wall? If so remove one ,clean the surface of the back box ,put the screw back in along with a large washer,and wrap the earth conductor round the screw ,trapped under the washer.

Thank you ill try that

 

[everlastuk]

The way I've done it is fixed solid, Jammed the earth cable right in, just curious to know why it might not be acceptable

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

The way I've done it is fixed solid, Jammed the earth cable right in, just curious to know why it might not be acceptable

Because the lack of firmness of the connection, allows the opportunity for oxidation to take place, on the copper, and the metal bracket. Even in if not, terminations need to be tight, to ensure that they will continue to be able to carry current long term.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes switch plate has a earth cable going to it,

Ok.

but the metal back plate needs to be earthed too though doesn't?

No.