earthing a grid plate on a modular light switch

Question

I am currently replacing a 2 gang light switch in my hall with a 3 gang modular switch. i.e. there are 3 separate switch modules which are mounted on a metal grid plate, which is then fixed to the back box and then a face plate fitted over the front. The instructions are minimal (no wiring diagrams are given) but they say the metal grid plate which the switch modules are mounted on must be earthed using the earth terminal on it.  Is the grid plate earthed by connecting a yellow/green sheathed wire from the  grid plate terminal to the earth terminal on the back box? This gives 4 earth connections to the back box, 1 from the grid + 3 from the incoming switch cables?

Zahid · Accepted Answer

The grid switch metal plate will need to be earthed using the earthing wire (yellow and green sheathed). There should be a fly lead ( a single Earth yellow/green wire) from the earthing terminal to backbox and same with the grid metal plate. 

Hope this answers your question.

Sam · Answer

Hi Mark, 

Yes this is correct the metal grid plate needs earthing with a green and yellow earth cable as you said. 

Thanks Sam.

Benjamin · Answer

That would do it. If you have a continuity tester, test it to make sure. In short, all earth cables need to be connected

Aaron · Answer

You can bring a single earth fly lead onto your front plate, from the earth connection in the back. Or you can simply connect all of the green/yellow cables into the metal front plate itself. 

When the switch is screwed back, the front plate is connected to the backbox through the front plate screws, so if the backbox is metal, the earth will continue providing the connection is sound.

Joe · Answer

If you’re not an electrician I would suggest leaving it to a professional. 
There’s a reason that we spend 4 years as an apprentice and further advanced training during our career

Silviu · Answer

Everything what have a metal part , including grids parts , metal sockets  etc need to be eartheed with the main earths of the cable . So basically if you have 3 cables in the switch mean that you gonna have 3 earth connected together with the earth from grid and needs to be in a common point which is the screw from back box .

Matthew · Answer

Yes you must earth the back box and then from the back box take some 1.5mm cable and earth the back box too the front plate👌

Joffrey · Answer

Yes, the metal faceplate needs to be earthed. Swing the earth wire from the backbox on to the faceplate, or use a piece of 1mm2 cable from the earth terminal on the backbox to the earth terminal on the grid plate

Christopher · Answer

Yes, the earth or cpc, ie fly lead if metal back box being used must always be earthed.

Michael · Answer

I you were replacing a plastic light switch you wouldn't be asking for advice Right?
I would get someone competent to install it. I'm not saying your not but I would have to see the installation before i gave any advice on that.

earthing a grid plate on a modular light switch

Follow Us

Cookies

Manage Cookies

Essential cookies

Analytics & Tracking

Advertising