wiring a dimmer switch

[lip123]

In the process of fitting a chrome dimmer switch in one of the bedrooms.
I have two wires coming out of the back box, black and red. Am I right in saying that the black wire goes to the common on the dimmer switch (~ with a arrow going through), and the red wire goes to either L1 or L2 on the dimmer switch.
Also, it says that the plate MUST be earthed. However, i only have two wires, neutral and live coming from the back box. Does this mean that i can not use the chrome switch?

Im not so good with electrics, so if ive missed something out let me know.

 

[breezer]

your last statemet is correct.

it means there is no earth which could prove to be fatal.
i suugest you get a periodic inspection report (tells you how good bad what you have is) and in the mean time get a plastic dimmer switch

 

[lip123]

your last statemet is correct.

it means there is no earth which could prove to be fatal.
i suugest you get a periodic inspection report (tells you how good bad what you have is) and in the mean time get a plastic dimmer switch

What i dont understand is, there is a brass dimmer swithc being used in the living room, and this too has not been earthed. Its been in use for over 20 years.

 

[breezer]

Its been in use for over 20 years.

just because "its always been like that" does not mean it is right or safe. just lucky

I knew a young girl, (a work mates daughter) she crossed a road "loads of times" she doesn't anymore. A bus ran her over, poor kid she was only 17

you only get killed once

 

[lip123]

Its been in use for over 20 years.

just because "its always been like that" does not mean it is right or safe. just lucky

I knew a young girl, (a work mates daughter) she crossed a road "loads of times" she doesn't anymore. A bus ran her over, poor kid she was only 17

you only get killed once

Don't get me wrong, im not saying it is right. Like i said i know very little about electrics. I only opened up the downstairs dimmer to see how it was wired. Wasnt aware that it had not been eathed till the other day.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Given what you ahve said, it is very important that you turn off the power before unscrewing any of the metal light switch fittings.

A loose connection could make the whole (unearthed) switch live, with bad consequences, for you.