earthing metal backboxes

[ExArmy]

who does this anymore? reason I ask is I was always taught just to put the earth straight into the faceplate, and as long as the metal backbox had at least 1 fixed lug then you don't need to put a separate earth from the faceplate to the backbox.

but, reading an article in a magazine about changing plastic socket fronts to metal ones, and it says it would be good practice to run a earth fly lead from the faceplate to the backbox as it is an exposed conductive part.

 

[Guest123]

I always do it and always have done.

Force of habbit now and still good practice IMO.

 

[Octopus]

My Elecsa assessor this year tried to criticise me for not putting "fly leads" on the boxes. I answered by saying that for plastic accessories it wasn't mandatory, but metal it would be.

Agree with Lenny its good practice though, normally try to do it!

 

[ExArmy]

why is it mandatory for metal accessories? the faceplate is always connected to the CPC, and thats the part you can touch

 

[ruston]

I always do ; no if's or but's I just do it. I like my screw heads perpendicular too lol.

 

[Strima]

I always fit them, belt and braces but it only takes a few seconds to strip a bit of cable and fit it. Then when Mr DIY comes along he may actually use it so everything is earthed.

 

[ExArmy]

is there a reg for this?

 

[Richard]

My Elecsa assessor this year tried to criticise me for not putting "fly leads" on the boxes. I answered by saying that for plastic accessories it wasn't mandatory, but metal it would be.

Agree with Lenny its good practice though, normally try to do it!

out of interest, why would you say it's mandatory with metal fittings but not plastic?

thanks

 

[snowhead]

So no earth on the metal box, someone unscrews the socket whilst the circuit is still live, the installer had nicked the live when they stripped it or no grommet and the stripped live touches the box.
Or the live pulls out the socket when it lifted off and touches the box.

I've always earthed boxes, including metal adaptable boxes even if they didn't have an earth lug.

There are plenty of Good Practices that aren't in the Regs, yet.

 

[Octopus]

out of interest, why would you say it's mandatory with metal fittings but not plastic?

thanks

for mandatory read recommended!