replacing a 4-gang switch

[macmike]

Hi!

I'm new to the forum and pretty new to electrics too, so please forgive any ignorance displayed . I have a question about replacing a dimmer switch.

The old switch was causing the lights to flicker (I presumed it was a dodgy connection, or maybe just a broken switch). Either way, I've decided that this room doesn't actually need a dimmer switch at all and just went out to get a standard on/off 4-gang switch.

In case it helps, I think this is the one I've got: http://www.binbin.net/photos/nexus/mp-/mp-nexus-lightswitch-4-gang-2-way.jpg

The old switch had the earth wire attached to a metal plate (don't know the technical term I'm afraid), and the new switch doesn't have this plate at all. I thought of reusing the old plate, but it doesn't quite fit (this would be a soldering job). Does the earth wire need this metal plate? Could I attach it somewhere else, or is this a definite no-no?


I'd really appreciate any help to get me going (don't want to blow myself up )

cheers,

Mike

 

[Mr Mark Sparks]

because the new switch has no metal parts put the eatrh in a connector block and tuck it in the back box

 

[macmike]

That's helpful thank you.

As for the switches themselves - there are currently brown wires linking each switch together at the C connection. Are these necessary even for non-dimmer switches?

Again, please be patient with me as I'm still a bit of a dunce

 

[Mr Mark Sparks]

yes connect as they are now
this links the feed across all 4 switches

if you dont ask you dont get

 

[macmike]

Great - thanks again. It's all done now. Was like magic when they all came on properly and I didn't die