Simple question re: earth

[Westovski]

Hi guys,

I'm not an electrician, i'm a fairly low level DIYer so this question may well be ridiculous.

I'm currently replacing a couple of the generic plastic light switches at home with metal ones, I notice the metal ones have an earth on the actual faceplate. I'm guessing this is simply because it's metal!

Now, I'm assuming, and from what i've read this is correct, I need to run an earth wire from the the place on the faceplate, to the place for the earth on the metal back box. Again, this all seems logical.

I've grabbed some earth sleeving from the local Wickes to cover the wire, however, i've no idea where to get the actual wire from, without buying a more expensive wire and stripping it.

Any ideas?

Cheers

 

[Penance]

Is there an earth with the cable in the switch?

 

[Westovski]

Yep, but that is attached to the metal back box at the moment - i've just had a full rewire so it should all be fine. It's just the metal faceplate that needs earthing I think, i've been told you shouldn't rely on the screws for the earth connection.

 

[Paul.M]

Go to a electrical wholesaler and buy a couple of meters if 1mm earth wire, won't cost much. Attach a few inches of it from the earthed terminal on the back box to the face plate and job done. Please switch off all lighting mcb's incase of shared neutrals and check its dead at each switch before carrying out the work.

 

[Westovski]

Many thanks It was just the type of wire I needed

 

[Penance]

Paulm beat me to it!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

If the existing CPC (earth) has been terminated in the back box, and there is just the one adjustable lug for the face plate, you can just disconnect, and terminate into the fitting.
The screws will provide an adaquate earth for the back box.

 

[SMB]

Stranded, flexible, insulated cable is much nicer, and easier to use, for the job you are talking about, rather than sleeving solid copper cable.