Replacing light switch cover - random yellow/green wire Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[AJH67]

Hi
I want to replace my white plastic light switch, the switch is in my bedroom and its one box with two switches, one for the bedroom light and one for bathroom light which automatically switches the extractor on in the en-suite. Usually i just take photo and re wire new switch by just copying. so when i opened this switch i found a yellow and green wire just hanging not attached to anything, there are 2 black and 2 red and that looks simple to change over but im concerned about the yellow and green, should it be attached to anything? or shall i just replace the switch and ignore the yellow/green wire as it all works ok so not sure what that wire does?? so its such a basic question

[ericmark]

It looks like a metal back box, normally there is an earth terminal in one corner, the regulations say there must be an earth wire since 1966, but if the back box and switch are plastic it does not need to be connected.

[AJH67]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. It is definitely a metal box, so are you saying I don’t have to connect it to the switch, just leave it sitting there as I found it?

[chriscba]

Read Eric's reply again

[AJH67]

I would really love it if someone could just tell me if I have to connect the earth wire to my new plate cover as the box and new cover is metal. Alternatively I could just slit my wrists and be done with it. TIA

[chriscba]

Yes connect the earth wire back to the metal back box

[AJH67]

Thank you