Back boxes earthing Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[sausage57]

I have just had an electrician in to install some new sockets.

When I removed the socket face to plaster around the outside I noticed that the back box is not earthed.

Is this not required? I always thought it was.

Thanks for any help.

[ericmark]

I always do and my son does not and we have debated it many times. Until you remove the socket it is earthed with the two brass screws and it should be turned off before removing so he has a good point.

[sparx]

Hi, as ERIC shows this has been a contentious issue for years, bottom line is neither 16th or 17th regs require it but many people fit anyway.
NICEIC insist their registered contractors do fit 'pig tails'.
Regs only require them if using a conduit/trunking system for your earth, to ensure earth brought forward from back box to front plate.
I don't like fitting them as it's more wiring than necessary in an already tight space,
regards SPARX
NB: 16th reg 543-02-07 pge 117 17th reg 543.2.7 pge 131