Adding earthing to light switch

[Yakkity]

Hi

We're in the middle of redecorating our kitchen and would like to replace the white plastic light switch with a metal faceplate dimmer (non-double insulated)

Obviously this needs to be earth so imagine my joy when removing the old switch I found that the earth wire has been snipped back to the main sheath i.e. no earthing.

What are my options for providing a suitable earth to this switch? Can I run earth to a nearby mains outlet? Can I use an earth clamp on nearby (<2 inches) central heating pipe (there is no plastic piping in use)

Is it possible to test if the earth wire in the cabling going up the wall does in fact go somewhere?

Or am I left with an ugly white light switch? Rewiring isn't an option unfortunately.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Use a proper test indicator or a multimeter. You should be able to measure 230v between the earth conductor and live.
That should give you a reasonable indication that the earth is there.

Best then is either try and jiggle the cable down the wall a bit or chase back up, then crimp on a length of earth wire.

 

[Yakkity]

Use a proper test indicator or a multimeter. You should be able to measure 230v between the earth conductor and live.
That should give you a reasonable indication that the earth is there.

Best then is either try and jiggle the cable down the wall a bit or chase back up, then crimp on a length of earth wire.

Thanks for the response, will see what I can do.

Is earthing to the pipe / other mains socket a no-no?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

So are you saying it is ok for me to use an earth clamp on the pipe, assuming the multimeter test is ok?

He certainly is not.....

 

[Yakkity]

So are you saying it is ok for me to use an earth clamp on the pipe, assuming the multimeter test is ok?

He certainly is not.....

Yep, sorry - realised my error soon after posting!

 

[ban-all-sheds]

OK

 

[Yakkity]

So can you confirm that both

- bonding to hot water pipe
- running earth to mains circuit

are not an option?

Thanks

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Yup.