3 pole isolator switch for extractor fan

[andyj941]

Hi I've just got a 3 pole isolator switch with three terminals (L1, L2 and N) on each side for a new extractor fan for the bathroom which has a built-in pullcord (and no timer).

I'm replacing a broken extractor fan and my question is about the switch on the wall outside the bathroom. The old swithc currently has earths connected to a terminal but this new MK one has no such thing. What should I do with the earth cables - are they required?

Thanks in advance

 

[Taylortwocities]

What should I do with the earth cables - are they required?

Of course they are!

Connect them all together in a bit of terminal blocks (aka choc block)

 

[phatboy]

Connect them all to the earth terminal in the backbox if its metal, if not connect them in some choc block

 

[andyj941]

Hi it's a plastic box. Just got a 15A 12 way plastic connector strip. Should I cut off two terminals and connect all the earths together in it?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Hi it's a plastic box. Just got a 15A 12 way plastic connector strip. Should I cut off two terminals and connect all the earths together in it?

Yes just cut a pair off and terminate all the CPC/earth cable in to it, the earth cables should also be sleeved with green and yellow PVC sleeving.

 

[andyj941]

Thanks - the earths have PVC sleeving and are joined via a connector and the isolator switch is much smarter and better looking than the switch it replaced! Now just to replace the extractor fan...!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Hi it's a plastic box. Just got a 15A 12 way plastic connector strip. Should I cut off two terminals and connect all the earths together in it?

No - cut one off, that way they will all end up connected together. If you cut two off, and use them both, some earths will not be connected to some others.

 

[andyj941]

Sorry that's what I meant - I cut one pair off and connected all the earths together as they were. Thanks

 

[RF Lighting]

What do you mean 'one pair'

You want one single piece of connector strip.

 

[EFLImpudence]

A single block has a pair of screws. Is that what is meant.

 

[andyj941]

Yes that's what i meant, a single strip with two screws. Not familiar with electrical lingo! Thanks for your help fan is much better and working well