Earthing Back Box

[ml1936]

When wiring up sockets, do you also have to earth the metal back box? Or is putting both earths into socket sufficient?

 

[marcusone]

Yes. You also have to earth the metal back box.

 

[DESL]

do you also have to earth the metal back box

Yes

Use an off cut of cpc wire sleeved in yellow and green to connect to earth terminal on socket and back box

 

[JohnD]

I sell suitable Earth Links for this purpose, with well-terminated ends and top-quality sheathing in duo-coloured Green and Yellow PVC, skillfully trimmed by hand in convenient 150mm lengths.

They are £5 each plus P&P

 

[Maboza-Ritchy]

When wiring up sockets, do you also have to earth the metal back box? Or is putting both earths into socket sufficient?

Put both earth wires into socket along with a bit of earth wire from back of the box.

 

[TeesdaleSpark]

It's not necessary for flush back boxes as long as the boxes have one fixed lug and the accessory has an earth connection between the two screw holes.

 

[securespark]

It's not necessary for flush back boxes as long as the boxes have one fixed lug and the accessory has an earth connection between the two screw holes.

Thank you!

I thought it was just me who knew that...!

There is no longer a requirement to fit a "flying lead" as long as you satisfy the conditions TS listed above.

However, if you have two adjustable lugs &/or an accessory that does not have an earth connection between the two fixing holes, then you must link the accessory to the box via said flying lead, in a minimum of 1.5mm².

 

[Spark123]

Although not required, for what its worth I'd fit them regardless!!

 

[Maboza-Ritchy]

Although not required, for what its worth I'd fit them regardless!!

DITTO

 

[securespark]

[Shrug]

 

[Steve]

I sell suitable Earth Links for this purpose, with well-terminated ends and top-quality sheathing in duo-coloured Green and Yellow PVC, skillfully trimmed by hand in convenient 150mm lengths.

They are £5 each plus P&P

I'll take 20! Nothing worse than running out!

 

[Pensdown]

Although not required, for what its worth I'd fit them regardless!!

I'll second that

What happens when someone decides not to use a grommet and the cable gets damaged where it enters the back box? Without the flying earth the fault wouldn't be present when you removed the face plate but the back box would remain live to touch.

As stated in another post, 7671 is a minimum standard and IMO quite often it pays to exceed it.

But don't buy your leads from JD, I sell them complete with a crimp connector one end @ £4.99 inc P&P

 

[Invisible-Man]

Although not required, for what its worth I'd fit them regardless!!

I'll second that

What happens when someone decides not to use a grommet and the cable gets damaged where it enters the back box? Without the flying earth the fault wouldn't be present when you removed the face plate but the back box would remain live to touch.

As stated in another post, 7671 is a minimum standard and IMO quite often it pays to exceed it.

But don't buy your leads from JD, I sell them complete with a crimp connector one end @ £4.99 inc P&P

Surely you would isolate circuit before removing face plate

 

[Adam_151]

Surely you would isolate circuit before removing face plate

Sometimes its necessary for live testing, and other times when you want to see which directions cables run in etc, you probably should isolate in most cases unless you need the power on for tests, etc (as it would not be too unreasonable to do so) but in the real world... heck in the real world accesories get changed with the power on!

 

[Invisible-Man]

Surely you would isolate circuit before removing face plate

Sometimes its necessary for live testing, and other times when you want to see which directions cables run in etc, you probably should isolate in most cases unless you need the power on for tests, etc (as it would not be too unreasonable to do so) but in the real world... heck in the real world accesories get changed with the power on!

Yes I know, just one thing though, if you were to change the faceplate with the power on, then the earth cable would be get dissconnected anyway