fly leads from back boxes with secure fixing lug?

[StagsHeadNo.4]

Is it a regulation to run a fly lead from the back box to the socket/switch. My point is, what if you had a metal 1 gang switch and you terminated your earth into the earth connection on the switch. I understand that when it's screwed back it would make contact with the metal back via the secure fixing lug, earthing the back box, but what if you wanted to cary out an ELI from this point. You would isolate the circuit remove the switch then re-energise to carry out the test. Potentially you could nick the cable with the back box and make it live as it would no longer be earthed.

I understand it would be good practice to run fly leads, but is it a regulation?

I know it's petty, but one of my engineers has come to me with this query and I just want to give him some feedback. Thankyou People.

 

[Deleted member 9648]

It is NOT a regulation to run a fly lead to the back box as long as.....At least one of the lugs on the back box is fixed,and the accessory being mounted has metal rings on the fixing holes linked to the earth terminal.
It is good practice to run a fly lead whatever and most conciensious sparks do.

 

[Sintra]

As wirepuller said but back boxes MUST be earthed with a fly lead when using a steel conduit / trunking wiring system without cpc conductor.

 

[StagsHeadNo.4]

Thanks People.

 

[a.e.s]

Just out of interest, who actually does this?? I hold my hands up, if it is a domestic situation I have never taken a fly lead from a K/O box to a plastic face plate

 

[iansparks]

Got to admit, I always use fly lead to the back box

 

[a.e.s]

Well done you Ian. I have only been a qualified spark 18 months, I think this is more of an old school method. No one on our firm ever does this. I think my boss would think I was wasting time if I did lol

 

[sparks1234]

Always

 

[a.e.s]

i am probably being naive, but why?? If it is not a regulation, I just dont see the point. It will be earthed through the screw. The only time it wont be earthed is if you remove the face plate and you shouldnt do this live anyway.

 

[sparks1234]

i am probably being naive, but why?? If it is not a regulation, I just dont see the point. It will be earthed through the screw. The only time it wont be earthed is if you remove the face plate and you shouldnt do this live anyway.

So, you are telling me that you dont remove a faceplate without turning the juice off, it has been a regulation in the past and I have always kept this up, its good practice but not regulation

 

[a.e.s]

I like all other sparks do take the plates of live, but then we are competent people and know not to stick our fingers in before we have a good look. I am sure it is good practice but I just cant see the point.

I dont mean to be blunt, my girlfriend just read my post over my shopulder and said I was being cheeky lol. I truly dont mean to be, I just wanted to know why people do it, if I was given a valid reason I would do it every time. I am still learning at this stage and I really want to be the best electrician I can be, so sorry if i got your backs up

 

[Romans99]

Take plates off live sockets!!??

Next you'll be telling me you add breakers to live boards!!??

 

[pennywise]

We always did until the NIC inspector said it was pointless unless metal face plates, conduit systems or non fixed lugs were present. My old boss argued about the hazards of pulling sockets off and catching the back box with the live conductor etc inspector just turned and said your not suppose to work on energized circuits. When I was working for him i couldn't understand why on plastic plates just thought it was a waist of time and cable, I never do it now unless above exceptions apply. cheers

 

[roukel01]

Take plates off live sockets!!??

Next you'll be telling me you add breakers to live boards!!??

Its not good practice, but I'm always adding MCB's to live boards, especially in an industrial setting where it isn't always practical to switch the juice off! I'd rather have ago live than go back late at night to do the Job!!! A steady hand is all thats needed! We've had to drill and gland SWA's into live boards many times.

Talking about earthing back boxes, I always do it as good measure, its highly unlikely but possible for the live and earth to become detached of the socket, if the back box isn't earthed (because the earth connected to the socket has come away hence no earth to the back box) and somehow the live touches the metal back box, the box and screws become live without any MCB tripping, leading to a potential shock hazard.
It unlikely, but possible and for the sake of an extra 30 seconds earthing them, I do it every time.

 

[Des 56]

I We've had to drill and gland SWA's into live boards many times.

.

I hope when you are popping an hole through a bus bar chamber you follow my health and safety protocol of ramming a sheet of wood into it, to deflect the cut off bit as it plummets towards that brown phase

If any young ones are thinking of removing sockets live,then dont

If you are foolish enough to disregard that advise,make sure you remove the earth first and put it back last or you could be shutting the power off whether you want to or not