Another Electrical Query.

[derekpara]

I am changing a standard 1-gang outlet to a 2-gang 13amp switched socket with USB charger.

I can dig out and fix a new , larger, back box OK, no problem.

The instructions tell me that ' All earth wires must be sleeved and terminated to a Functional Earth.' Is this the earth terminal in the back box ?

Cheers.

D

[Old_Geezer]

The metal back box and the earth terminal of the faceplate both need connecting to earth wire in the supply cables.

[derekpara]

Thanks OG. There are two earth wires shown in the diagram but they appear to be going to different places having been connected to the two terminals on the faceplate. So, do they both go to the earth fixing on the back plate ? I would assume so but need confirmation before I start.

[sddsddean]

There should be 3 terminals on the faceplate. You should have between one and three cables coming into the box (according to how the house is wired) each containing 3 wires and the colours will be Live (brown or red), Neutral (blue or black) and Earth (bare wire or green or yellow/green). As long as all the live wires going to the live terminal, all the neutrals to the neutral terminal etc, you will be fine. If you have a metal back box, you need to run an additional piece of Earth wire from the brass terminal attached to the back box to the Earth terminal on the faceplate. If you use a plastic backbox, you don't need the additional wire.

[derekpara]

Thanks Dean. That answers my question fully.

Cheers..

D