Earthing Faceplate

Mark.W · Nov 30, 2016

Hey Guys,

I'm in a discussion with another spark about whether or not he earths the metal back box of a floor socket box. He seems to think there's no need because the faceplate gets self drilled to the back box and it doesn't have lugs like a standard metal Patress?! The faceplate screws aren't linked to the earth terminal in the socket either but he seems to think it's fine.

What's your guys thoughts?!

I know this has been discussed in the past about standard boxes but I couldn't find anything about floor boxes.

Cheers Mark

telectrix · Nov 30, 2016

the box should be earthed. however this is done depends. if it's not earthed by the faceplate screws, then a fly lead should be fitted.

Pete999 · Nov 30, 2016

The Earth terminal is there for a reason, so IMO you should use it, if anyone gets a belt and the investigation, should there be one finds the terminal has not been earthed, whoever did the install will be in deep dodos

Mark.W · Nov 30, 2016

That's what I thought he has stated that there is no earth terminal on the back box. This is the one we're installing

3 Compartment Floor Box 120mm deep. (Rock-Tech, Sound...Lights...Video) - http://www.rock-tech.co.uk/cms/products/3-compartment-floor-box-120mm-deep?web-page-id=347

Pete999 · Nov 30, 2016

Mark.W said:
That's what I thought he has stated that there is no earth terminal on the back box. This is the one we're installing

3 Compartment Floor Box 120mm deep. (Rock-Tech, Sound...Lights...Video) - http://www.rock-tech.co.uk/cms/products/3-compartment-floor-box-120mm-deep?web-page-id=347

Without being able to see the set up one thing worries me, if you are relying on tne faceplate to provide earth continuity to the back box, what happens when you remove the faceplate and the box and associated trunking or conduits become live? if you get my drift.

Pete999 · Nov 30, 2016

These floor boxes are most likely fixed to the sub structure of the building fabric by various routes, the should be connected to Earth common sense dictates that they should be connected to the general mass of Earth regardless of some Muppet questioning it.