DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi, my wife flicked a light switch in our kitchen and saw a flash and the light circuit tripped. On opening the switch and testing with a multimeter the wires which I would have thought were earth are live (the bare wires attached to the box) and it seems that connection between these wires and the bottom screw on the light switch has caused the short.



Our flat was renovated including some rewiring about 18 months ago but I wanted to check that I'm not missing something and that this is definitely not as it should be before I call an electrician to recheck the work done.

Any and all advice much appreciated.

The top and bottom nuts are not required with modern switches I would just remove them with pliers. The switch is clearly a poor design if the terminal screws can touch the nuts, but the electrician is hardly responsible for the switch design.

Who selected the switches you or electrician?

I selected the switches, they're from Screwfix, looks like the bottom screw of the switch was standing a little proud, i moved the hot wires going into the switch a bit and the screw is now well within the casing. Regardlesss of that, I took your advice and removed the top and bottom nuts and connected the earth to the rear and that's done the trick. Thanks for your help.

Well that part of this circuit was not rewired, you may have had new face plates fitted, but the backbox is too shallow for the switch gear. Probably been stuffed in tight and cable got damaged.