Alexei Volkov
Plastic back boxes do not require earthing. However, it is considered good practice to earth them, as it can prevent live wires from electrifying the screws holding the socket and the faceplate. If the plastic back box has an earth terminal, an earth wire can be added. In the case of a socket, the CPC should be linked to the earth terminal on the socket outlet. If the pattress is metal, it is good practice to link the two.
Do plastic back boxes need to be earthed?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic back boxes with plastic face plates | Do not need to be earthed |
| Plastic back boxes with metal face plates | Should be earthed |
| Metal back boxes with metal face plates | Should be earthed |
| Metal back boxes with plastic face plates | Should be earthed |
| Plastic back boxes with no face plates | Do not need to be earthed |
| Plastic back boxes with plastic face plates and exposed screws | Should be earthed |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic back boxes do not require earthing
In the case of a socket, the CPC should be connected to the earth pin of the plug. If the patress is metal, it is considered good practice to link the two. However, if the patress is plastic, the link to the socket outlet should be removed.
In the case of a light switch, the earth can be run to the back box, which will then earth the screws. Plastic light switches do not have an earth terminal, so there is nothing to connect the CPC to. In this case, the CPC can be sleeved and bent over, left unterminated, or terminated in a connector block.
While some consider it good practice to earth the back boxes, it is not a requirement.
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Metal back boxes should be earthed
Earthing is necessary to prevent electric shocks and fires. It is a safety measure that ensures that if an electrical device or appliance develops a fault, the electricity supply is diverted to the ground, rather than remaining in the device and causing harm.
The CPC (Circuit Protective Conductor) should be connected to the metal back box. This can be done using the earth wire in the supply cable, or with an additional 'earthing tail' - a protective conductor connecting the back box to the earth terminal of the socket.
While some sources suggest that earthing metal back boxes is good practice, they claim it is not essential. However, others disagree, stating that it is a simple and cheap mitigation against a potentially dangerous situation.
It is important to note that plastic back boxes do not need to be earthed, as they are non-conductive. However, if the plastic back box has a metal faceplate, the faceplate should be earthed.
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Plastic faceplates do not require earthing
In contrast, metal faceplates should be earthed. This is because if a live wire touches the metal back box, the screws holding the socket and the faceplate of the socket will become live. This can be dangerous, as it can lead to electric shocks. To prevent this, a metal faceplate should have an earth tag connecting to the faceplate.
It is important to note that while plastic faceplates do not require earthing, it is still good practice to ensure proper wiring to the faceplate to ensure safety. Additionally, if the plastic faceplate is earthed within the faceplate, it will then 'earth' the box via screws that hold the plate in place.
Overall, while plastic faceplates do not require earthing, proper wiring and safety precautions are still essential to ensure the safety of the electrical installation.
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Metal faceplates should be earthed
It is important to understand the basics of earthing before delving into the specifics of metal faceplates. Earthing is a critical safety measure in electrical installations, providing a path for stray electrical currents to flow to the ground, thereby protecting people and equipment from potential harm.
Now, when it comes to metal faceplates, the consensus is that they should be earthed to ensure safety and compliance with electrical regulations. Metal is an excellent conductor of electricity, and if it becomes energised due to a loose connection or other electrical faults, it poses a serious risk of electric shock to anyone who touches it. By earthing the metal faceplate, we provide a path for any stray currents to flow safely to the ground, reducing the risk of electric shock.
In some discussions, it is mentioned that while earthing metal back boxes is considered good practice, it might not be strictly essential if the metal faceplate is properly earthed. This is because the faceplate screws can provide a path to ground, ensuring that the metal back box is indirectly earthed. However, this reliance on faceplate screws for earthing is not always recommended, as it may not provide a reliable connection.
To ensure compliance with electrical regulations and maintain safety, it is generally advised to earth both the metal faceplate and the metal back box. This can be achieved by connecting the earth wire in the supply cable to the metal back box and then providing a link between the back box and the faceplate. This way, even if the faceplate screws become loose or disconnected, the metal components remain earthed.
It is worth noting that plastic faceplates and back boxes have different considerations when it comes to earthing. Plastic is a non-conductive material, so plastic faceplates do not require earthing. However, it is still important to ensure that any metal components within the system, such as mounting screws, are properly earthed to prevent electrical hazards.
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Best practice vs. regulations
While regulations may vary depending on the region and industry, the general consensus is that plastic back boxes do not require earthing. This is because plastic is a non-conductive material, and the screws holding the plate in place provide a level of protection. However, best practices dictate that exposed conductive parts must be earthed for safety reasons.
In some cases, it may be advantageous to add an earth terminal to a plastic back box, even if it is not required. This can provide an easier connection point for multiple earths, especially in installations with fuses, double pole switches, or flex outlets. Additionally, ensuring proper earthing can prevent issues like live screws or faceplates, enhancing overall safety.
Industry professionals have differing opinions on the matter. Some strictly adhere to the regulations, while others incorporate best practices into their work. It is recommended to hire professionals who follow best practices to ensure optimal safety and functionality.
Regulations, such as the BS7671, provide guidelines for electrical installations. For example, the CPC (circuit protective conductor) should be connected to a metal back box but is not required for a plastic back box. However, if the plastic faceplate is earthed, it will 'earth' the box via the screws unless there is a separation due to plastic receiver screw mounts.
To summarize, while regulations may not require earthing plastic back boxes, best practices suggest that it is beneficial for safety and functionality. Exposed conductive parts should be earthed, and proper earthing can prevent issues with live components. Ultimately, it is advisable to prioritize safety and follow best practices to ensure a reliable and secure electrical installation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic back boxes do not need to be earthed. However, it is considered good practice to do so.
If you want to earth a plastic back box, you can add an earth terminal. The CPC should be terminated in a plastic connector block.
Earthing a plastic back box can provide additional safety by ensuring that the screws holding the socket do not become live if there is a loose connection.
No, it is not a regulatory requirement to earth plastic back boxes. However, it is essential to ensure that exposed conductive parts are earthed for safety reasons.
