Back box's not earthed

[timo]

Swapping C.U noticed all backbox's are not earthed. What would you put on the cert? and what code would this come under.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

There is no requirement to bond the backbox as long as at least one of the screw lugs is fixed. So technically there is no fault to record. It is deemed good practice to bond the backbox from days of old. I personally dont do it because i cant see any point to it, once the socket or switch is screwed down it is bonded anyway, and if it is removed for decorating it is isolated. I put more emphasis on grommets being fitted, and surprisingly enough even that is not a must, and that can be dangerous...........oh how i love the regs

 

[Notsosmart]

Ah the old chesnut rears its ugly head once more. (Seems like it was only last month the last time this was asked)

The only thing I would add to Sirkit's reply is that I would always earth tail to metal faceplates as a belt to the lugs braces.

 

[timo]

Cheers fella's

I did a search on the forum before posting but it gave nothing back with this topic.

 

[sparks1234]

There is no requirement to bond the backbox as long as at least one of the screw lugs is fixed. So technically there is no fault to record. It is deemed good practice to bond the backbox from days of old. I personally dont do it because i cant see any point to it, once the socket or switch is screwed down it is bonded anyway, and if it is removed for decorating it is isolated. I put more emphasis on grommets being fitted, and surprisingly enough even that is not a must, and that can be dangerous...........oh how i love the regs

Perhaps you should have put in there that "SHOULD be isolated for decorating", I dont know of a decorator that isolates when pulling the sockets forward

 

[Johno]

i would write nothing on cert, as (like sirkit breaker said) not against regs, but when installing i would always earth KO box

 

[Des 56]

These earth the back box threads are getting to seem like elections
The question is asked and the forum votes on it

I will stay firmly in the "no need but its nice " party

 

[Guest123]

Plus 1 for not a reg but always do it.

 

[Davey101]

I'm in the 'its nice, but I cant be bothered' camp.

 

[rocker]

Perhaps you should have put in there that "SHOULD be isolated for decorating", I dont know of a decorator that isolates when pulling the sockets forward

Really? well fuk 'em then.

Sorry but it had to be said. Maybe when they get a belt they will start having a thought more than once every three hours.

As far as the eternal question goes, I always connect them cos it doesn't really take a lot of effort. Mind you, ask me again in 10 years time and I can't guarantee I'll give you the same answer.

 

[uksel]

i dont, unless it's in the spec (cos if it is i'm getting paid more )

the faceplate to screw to b/b is all the security i need.
the bonding is a pain in the arse in industrial/commercial sites when testing cos of the parrallel paths

 

[opm electrical]

I'm in the 'its nice, but I cant be bothered' camp.

im in that camp too, i asked the assessor from the niceic when i had my assessment and he said he doesnt see the point in a domestic situation, maybe in the garage if you had metal clad sockets