Installing a surface mounted socket

[wolfie882]

Hi,

I have just purchased a 1-gang, switched, surface mounted plastic socket to replace an existing socket which has a damaged case.

I see that the old socket face plate has a metal strip running from the earth terminal to one of the screw fixing points, whereas the new socket just has a (not so convenient) earth terminal inside the back box.

I presume the old socket is already earthed by virtue of the metal strip. Is it a "must-do" to connect a seperate earth wire from the earth terminal on the face plate of my new socket to the terminal on the backbox?

Can I buy earth wire at the DIY store?

Thanks

 

[holmslaw]

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[wolfie882]

Thanks.

The socket will be connected to a single T&E mains cable.
The back box is a basic Wickes item with a small brass connector on the inside corner.

 

[holmslaw]

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[Adam_151]

You should connect your earth wire directly to the back of the socket and ignore the terminal on the plastic pattress (Its there for convience if using the pattress for a light switch)

 

[vibrobullit407]

If its a plastic back box (pattress) then it does not require an earth. It is plastic so non conductive!

The socket will have an earth terminal for the earth of the T&E to terminate into. Do not attach it to the back box (pattress)!

 

[wolfie882]

Thanks all for your prompt replies, but am getting a little confused....

There seems to be a difference of opinion over the need for an additional earth wire from the earth connector on the face plate to the terminal in the plastic pattress.

 

[Adam_151]

Thanks all for your prompt replies, but am getting a little confused....

There seems to be a difference of opinion over the need for an additional earth wire from the earth connector on the face plate to the terminal in the plastic pattress.

There is no difference of opinion, no one here has told you to earth a plastic pattress!!

 

[wolfie882]

Sorry for any misunderstanding.

I did say in my first post that the socket was plastic (although I didn't say pattress specifically), and Holmslaw did say in his reply:

".....an additional earthwire from the socket earth terminal to the back box."

 

[vibrobullit407]

You do not earth a plastic pattress as there is no need. Plastic is an insulator and will not become live! Just connect the earth to the socket. If you were fitting a metal back box then I would fit a fly lead but as you aren't then there is no need!

 

[holmslaw]

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