Changing switch to new metal switch

[davet68]

I’ve swapped the white plastic switch for a metal one we have one light switch on the landing but this is also controlled by one of the 4 light switches in hall. From previous threads I think this should be correct for the metal switch with earth added but wanted to check prior to switching electrics back on. Any help advice welcomed I will be changing the 4 switch in the hall with a metal switch also so will post for that too

 

[terryplumb]

Yes ,metal switch plate must be earthed.

 

[opps]

I am not an electrian.

I would run the earths(?) in to a earth receiver on the face plate, and then one back to the metal back box

 

[Taylortwocities]

I am not an electrian.

I would run the earths(?) in to a earth receiver on the face plate, and then one back to the metal back box

Better thd other way round.
All the earths connected to earth terminal on back box. Single flex from back box to front plate earth terminal.

 

[opps]

Better thd other way round.
All the earths connected to earth terminal on back box. Single flex from back box to front plate earth terminal.

Thanks.

Why is that?

I tend to do it the other way because I find it easier to just have to get one cable into the often difficult to access back box terminal, particularly when it is at the top of the box.

 

[EFLImpudence]

As it is only the switch that must be earthed - the exposed-conductive-part, I would agree with Opps.

 

[Sureitsoff?]

I am with TTC earths to back box and single to plate. it means you can dress the earths neatly out of the way at the back of the box especially if you have a three or four gang switch with multiple earths from all the cables

 

[EFLImpudence]

I agree it might be neater. Would you do the same with a plastic pattress?

 

[Taylortwocities]

I agree it might be neater. Would you do the same with a plastic pattress?

Yes. Adding a wee terminal block if the plastic box doesn’t sport an earth terminal of its own.
For a largish switch you are often dealing with half a dozen cables and earths.
I avoid trying to terminate that many on the front panel’s earth as either the terminal is too small, or six x earth conductors are just too stiff.

 

[EFLImpudence]

So - not better - just personal preference and/or whatever fits.