I have just purchased a new light switch and surface mounted plastic back plate to replace a broken one, but there is no earth connector on the back plate.
The switch has 3 connectors Com, L1 and L2.

Do I need to earth it and if so how?

Kaydee, May 2009

Can I use the earth wire on the metal box to the light switch earth and on the switch do I use the l1 or l2 on a 2 gang

ThinkFloyd, January 2014

Don't cut the Earth wire - it may be needed by you or another person in the future. If there's no obvious place for it tuck it away with a small sleeve or piece of tape over it making sure it can't touch any live wires or terminals.

The "old plastic box" with it's earth connector was just the job - the earth terminal in it was fitted as a junction point for one or more earth wires.

Peccavi, May 2009

Thanks Peccavi. If I understand you I don't need an earth as this is a plastic unit. The old plastic box had an earth connector which is why I got a bit concerned.
If I don't need the earth what do I do with it? Cut it off?

Kaydee, May 2009

The metal box in the wall is called a pattress I think. If you have an Earth wire it should connect to a small brass screw terminal in the back of the pattress.

On the Switch, the Live arriving at the switch always by convention is connected to the common terminal (Com).

The live that gets switched on and off (the other wire) can connect to either L1 or L2 it really doesn't matter.

Under no circumstances connect an Earth wire to the switch - else you'll get a mighty Bang!

As plastic components are non-conductive you will very seldom find an earth connector attached.

Take care...

Peccavi, May 2009