It is currently 29 Mar 2024, 14:18
HappyHacker wrote:It is not a requirement if at least one of the lugs of the metal backbox is fixed (normally there is one fixed and one sliding). The backbox is then earthed via the metal fixing screw and the earthed metal around the fixing hole on the accessory. It used to be considered mandatory many years ago and has become considered to be good practice but there is a lot of debate among electricians if it is good practice or just a hangover from old regulations. It is not necessary on plastic boxes although some have an earthing connection.
oddsocks wrote: The instructor always insisted that we earthed the metal backbox, but as Happyhacker has said, its not mandated (if one lug is fixed) but it was considered 'belt and braces'. His argument was that if someone had a loose line wire and removed the socket outlet to paint behind etc there was a small chance the line/live wire would come out and touch the backbox...which would not then be earthed as the screws were removed/loose.
Dave
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