Adding an earth to a pair of light switches

alan.surry · Nov 30, 2010

I'm preparing for a new kitchen and have a 2way lighting circuit that has no earth (The previous owner had disabled one switch by mistakenly using the common as an earth, which has no return to the consumer unit).

My question is: Can I install chrome switch plates if I bridge earth cables to each of the switches from a sockets that are close to the light switches? I can't see any logical reason why this should cause any problems, but I'm keen to make sure that there are no glitches when it comes to getting it tested. I have 2330 pt3 17th edition, but no part P, so I'm doing the work & getting it tested by a friend who has Part P.

Regards,

Alan.

SimpleSimon · Nov 30, 2010

You will get the problem though that an earth fault at the switch will appear on the sockets.

Des 56 · Nov 30, 2010

In practice it would work,but the circuit should have its own cpc
For that reason it would not be a good idea Alterations in the future could see the earth continuity disappear
It would be better to not use chrome switches or get the earth connection at the board also the regulations people could be reading this

alan.surry · Dec 1, 2010

Thanks for the replies. There is a CPC, just nothing down to the switches other than the switch live. I was hoping for a solution that doesn't involve pulling out all the exisiting wiring as the walls & coving are in good shape, but if it means we don't end up with plastic switches i suppose I'd better get busy with the chisel!

Regards,

Al.