Earthing back boxes ??

[Dazza1976]

Hi all, just wondering if you bother to earth metal clad back boxes for switches and sockets ???
I understand that some schemes require you to do this and others dont. I have also heard some people saying that if the switch or socket is metal thaen you must ?? Why is that ?

I dont really see the need for it myself , If a live conductor was to come off and touch the back box, the screws could then become live, but they are already earthed via the faceplate anyway, so i really dont see why it needs to be done ??

I will be interested to hear all your views on this .

 

[Burnt Fingers]

I got grilled by a manager for wasting time doing it in 1985. So I kept doing it. If I had to install on enow, I think I still would.

 

[vambo]

If the circuit is protected by an rcd i dont bother but in any other instance i do, that's what ive always done. My ten pence.

 

[leolec]

Told it wasn't needed on my recent courses, can see the point that its safer for DIY'ers painting

 

[eggyboy]

Told it wasn't needed on my recent courses, can see the point that its safer for DIY'ers painting

although reg states if screw lugs r solid to back box no nead to use fly lead neic inspector got quite ---- about it with me because if screws r removed totaly then there is no protection to earth for back box if some eder avent used gromets hope it helps . british gas calls this ace( ars kicking excersise)

 

[malcolmsanford]

although reg states if screw lugs r solid to back box no nead to use fly lead neic inspector got quite ---- about it with me because if screws r removed totaly then there is no protection to earth for back box if some eder avent used gromets hope it helps . british gas calls this ace( ars kicking excersise)

Not sure what reg states that.

What confuses people is Reg 543.2.7 where you are using a metal containment system as your CPC ie conduit and trunking. When using the containment, you must then fit a fly earth to the boxes earthing terminal from the accessory.

When you have a back box that is just sitting in a wall then there is no need to fit that fly lead and I don't think there is anywhere in the Regs that says you do. It's like all things it's a matter of what your taught and what you consider good or bad practice.

Me it's fit a fly lead everytime, takes minutes to do. The NICEIC inspector is wrong, but then the NICEIC do tend to try and be law unto themselves, unless of course you were using a meatl containment as your CPC, then he was right

 

[m25maintenance]

but y y y y wud u open a live box anyway so tell niceic to shuv it

 

[eggyboy]

but y y y y wud u open a live box anyway so tell niceic to shuv it

like that attidude haha