flying earth!

[Mallory]

Thanks to those who helped me with my metal faceplates query. I should have asked at the time - where do I get the earthing wire from for those extra flying earths in for metal faceplates? I can't find it in my local diy store (there aren't that many round here).

I have some twin & Earth cable for ring mains and sockets - can i strip out the bare earth wire from this cable and use that? I have green/yellow plastic cover somewhere too to enclose it.

 

[Lectrician]

If it is correctly sized, yes.

The earth must be atleast half the size of the live and neutral (table 54g), or calculated.

So, for a circuit with a 2.5mm live, you would need a 1 1/4 earth......so you use a 1.5mm earth.

NOTE:

1mm T+E has a 1mm earth
2.5mm T+E has a 1.5mm earth
4mm T+E has a 1.5mm earth
6mm T+E has a 2.5mm earth
10mm T+E has a 4mm earth

A drum of single core multi-strand cable would be better though.....

 

[plugwash]

you can use a core from T&E in sleeving if you wan't though the sleeving is a bit on the bulky side.

if you wan't to get some 1.5mm (same size as the earth in 2.5mm T&E) single earth cable to do a neater job you'll probablly have to go to an electrical wholesaler.

 

[Lectrician]

though the sleeving is a bit on the bulky side.

Depends what size you buy

 

[Mallory]

Hmm!

The spare T&E I have is 2.5mm. Does that sound like a safe size and I am I likely to be blown sky high if it is the wrong size?

I must admit, never thought it was so complex to fit a faceplate!!

This should be such a simple job!

 

[RF Lighting]

Hello again.

The middle (earth) core from your spare 2.5mm cable will be fine. Make sure you cover it with earth sleeving, easy as that

 

[Mallory]

RF Lighting - thanks once again for your help!

Regards to Leeds!

 

[JohnD]

I was rather hoping to sell you some ready-made earthing leads, 2.5mm, sleeved, 150mm long, stripped ends, £5 each

10% discount if you buy 100 or more.