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midiman

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Hi,

I have an looking to replace some plastic surface switches and I have noticed that there is no earth wire.

So I don't think I am going to be able to any metal fixings.

What are my options.

  1. Just leave it as it is.
  2. Look to get the circuit re-wired.

Thanks
 
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If there is no earth class 2 must be used and preferably have the small white caps over the screws, otherwise to use class 1 you'd be looking at getting an earth into the circuit. Of course making sure it is RCD protected also
 
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Matthewd29 said:
If there is no earth class 2 must be used and preferably have the small white caps over the screws, otherwise to use class 1 you'd be looking at getting an earth into the circuit. Of course making sure it is RCD protected also
Click to expand...

Hi Matthew,

It's a 1950's property and the wiring and fittings are probably the same in some of the rooms. This is in a hallway and there is noticeable earth conductor going coming through the back box.

All it has one of the switches is a red wire and two black ones.

The back box has an earth terminal but no earth and the switch plate has two uncapped metal screws. So I take it that it is not Class 2.

It's fused at the box with an old push button thing, but it doesn't look like a modern RCD flick switch type.

I suppose all I can do is replace the switch with a Class 2 fitting, or get the circuit replaced and connected to an RCD.
 
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The metal back boxes may have nylon type lugs for the front plate screws, if thats the case then they do actually do metal over plates that you mount on the front.... Not the prettiest but if you dont like your white switches and dont want a rewire its an option
 
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Charlie_ said:
house or bungalow?
Approx 15 years ago I had the same problem in a bungalow..
All was ok apart from no RCD and no lighting cpc..
I installed an RCD and a separate 1mm cpc for the lighting circuit..
Click to expand...

Hi,

It is a maisonette.

I could do that, but I am thinking about getting the property inspected and see what they recommend.

Maybe I could get a partial rewire done to bring it up to spec, or just go for a full re-wire. But that is going to cost ££££££.

Thanks
 
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suffolkspark said:
The metal back boxes may have nylon type lugs for the front plate screws, if thats the case then they do actually do metal over plates that you mount on the front.... Not the prettiest but if you dont like your white switches and dont want a rewire its an option
Click to expand...

Hi, the back boxes are the surface mounted plastic types. I would like to change them over to the metal ones and put in some flush metal switches. But this is not going to be possible after I inspected the wiring. I didn't think that I would come across anything like this but you live and learn. I want it to be safe and comply with the latest regs. So the only option I can think of is it get it rectified or leave it as it for the time being.

Thanks
 
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Charlie_ said:
Definitely go for an inspection, you will then be given a report with all observations, recommendations, etc
Click to expand...

Most of the wiring is run along the walls about the skirting in plastic conduit and I only think that the hallway and maybe the kitchen lights sockets are going through the walls. So I would be trying to get the best price possible if I was going for a re-wire.

Thanks
 
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My folks property,was built in the 60's.and had no cpc to any fitting or switch.
An inspection showed they had all been clipped back at the sheath (t&e) :rolleyes: some micro surgery later,saved the day.

I guess the original spark must have been a Christian fundamentalist...
 
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Charlie_ said:
I installed an RCD and a separate 1mm cpc for the lighting circuit..
Click to expand...

Don't the regs say something about if you have to run a separate earth it had to be 4mm.. or something like that??
 
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Dustydazzler said:
4mm if run outside of containment I believe ?
Click to expand...

Just found it..
[ElectriciansForums.net] No Earth in light circuit


2.5mm if protected, or 4.0mm if not.

543.1.1
 
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