Earth in new plug socket.

rickyroma

Swapping over a double plug socket and the new one has 2 earth connectors. The supply only has 1 earth wire so am I OK to use just 1 connection?  Also does the metal back box also need earthing? 

Risteard

These questions raise issues of competence.

rickyroma

OK..  So I understand the 2 earths will be linked in the new socket but I needed a new deeper backplate too. I have read that metal back plates also need earthing but the old one wasn't
Some opinions online say it needs earthing, some say not

molerat

You only need to use one of the connectors, they are connected together if you look. It is good practice for the metal back box to be connected to earth, there is usually a short wire going from the socket earth to the back box, but the regulations allow for laziness and use screw for the socket, which runs through the earth strap to do it.

rickyroma

molerat said:

You only need to use one of the connectors, they are connected together if you look. It is good practice for the metal back box to be connected to earth, there is usually a short wire going from the socket earth to the back box, but the regulations allow for laziness and use screw for the socket, which runs through the earth strap to do it.

So I could run an earth wire from the empty connection to the back box?  But in reality it's not strictly needed? 

Ectophile

If the socket's got two earth connections, and you only have one wire, then use either terminal.

The metal back box will have two metal lugs, with threaded holes, for the screws to go into.  If (at least) one is fixed, then you don't have to provide a separate connection to the back box.  The screw does it for you.  But you can run an earth wire to the box if you want to.

If both lugs are movable, connect an earth wire to the back box.

Section62

Ectophile said:

If the socket's got two earth connections, and you only have one wire, then use either terminal.

Worth mentioning in passing that some sockets have two 'earth' terminals, but they don't do the same thing - in which case it is vital for the 'earth' conductor to be connected to the correct terminal. But really that scenario would be beyond DIY skills and a professional electrican should be called in.

OP, can you share a picture of the back of the socket so we can confirm the type you've got.

rickyroma

Section62 said:

Ectophile said:

If the socket's got two earth connections, and you only have one wire, then use either terminal.

Worth mentioning in passing that some sockets have two 'earth' terminals, but they don't do the same thing - in which case it is vital for the 'earth' conductor to be connected to the correct terminal. But really that scenario would be beyond DIY skills and a professional electrican should be called in.

OP, can you share a picture of the back of the socket so we can confirm the type you've got.

Looking at it, it makes sense about the screws. Thanks 

EssexExile

1 earth wire coming in, connect it to the earth terminal in the box, then run a wire (preferably in green/yellow sleaving) from that terminal to one terminal on the socket then again to the other terminal on the socket.

Risteard

EssexExile said:

1 earth wire coming in, connect it to the earth terminal in the box, then run a wire (preferably in green/yellow sleaving) from that terminal to one terminal on the socket then again to the other terminal on the socket.

Not "preferably". It MUST be correctly identified.

rickyroma

EssexExile said:

1 earth wire coming in, connect it to the earth terminal in the box, then run a wire (preferably in green/yellow sleaving) from that terminal to one terminal on the socket then again to the other terminal on the socket.

It's a new build. I had a peek inside a couple of other sockets. Just the 1 wire to the front socket plate on them too. Screws earthing the backplate. I assume they are all wired like this in our house. Is it not safe? Or should I get some earth wire and adapt them all?