No earth terminal in light switch or back box ?

Dec 02, 2017 9 Replies

I'm wiring in new bedroom lights : there is no earth tab in the light switch or plastic back box.



Is it OK to just cut the earth wire off, or should I get a back box with an earth terminal and throw away all back boxes without earth terminals?



I will eventually attempt to get it inspected and passed under Part P 17 or 17A3



thanks [george]


Stick it in a Wago or a single section of terminal strip so that it can be used if the plate is ever changed to metal.

I was going to say what is the earth in at the moment then, just floating about? Ugh. Brian

Sleeve the earth and terminate into a piece of strip connector.

Yes. You or others may well want to fit metal switches that need an earth later on. If you must use an old box as a temporary measure where the earth isn't needed, insulate and secure the earth wire rather than cut it off. So it can be easily used later on.

I'm amazed you can be bothered.

so best would be to replace the back box with a new metal one with an earth terminal? [g]

No.

Just sleeve it and terminate it in a loose terminal (wago / chock block etc)

No need. The only requirement is to not have a bare wire flapping about. Once its sleeved and terminated, it poses no risk, but is still available for use if required later.

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