T-Wragg
Senior Member
- Location
- Paradise, California, USA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Is there any provision in the code for running a separate ground wire to the metal boxes of old ungrounded lights?
Old Ungrounded Lighting Outlets
- Thread starter T-Wragg
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Logan, Utah
Check out 250.130(C)
Chris
Chris
- Location
- Logan, Utah
T-Wragg
Senior Member
- Location
- Paradise, California, USA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Hi Chris, I was aware of 250.130C for adding a ground wire for grounding a receptacle but I wasn't sure if it also allowed for adding a ground wire to any ungrounded box because it only makes reference to receptacles. Does 250.130C allow for other applications as well? Thanks, Trent
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I am not sure the code addresses lights in that fashion but what is good enough for the goose should be good for the gander. 
In other words, it should be okay for lighting also. Who would complain if you added a ground wire. Now I don't believe you could add to the circuit.
In other words, it should be okay for lighting also. Who would complain if you added a ground wire. Now I don't believe you could add to the circuit.
- Location
- Logan, Utah
That section also references branch circuit extensions which I would say would apply to a lighting box.
Chris
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
Washington State Rules allow an GFCI for outlet boxes without an EGC.
One simple solution is to use non metallic luminaires.
One simple solution is to use non metallic luminaires.
T-Wragg
Senior Member
- Location
- Paradise, California, USA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Chris,
I just talked to the head inspector in my town and he interprets that section of the code the same way as you do. I want to thank everyone for their input. Trent
I just talked to the head inspector in my town and he interprets that section of the code the same way as you do. I want to thank everyone for their input. Trent
- Location
- Logan, Utah
Your very welcome.
Chris
Chris
brother
Senior Member
How does this go non par with NEC 2008 300.3(B)
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
it doesn't, equipment grounding conductors are not allowed to be run separate except in a very few places, and for very short runs, like 6'
brother
Senior Member
So how does one apply 250.130?? it appears that the ground wire will be run out side of the other conductors since its added later! Sometimes the code is just not as clear in some areas.
hurk27
Senior Member
- Location
- Portage, Indiana NEC: 2008
you know, I have no idea, I have never been given a clear reason why the exception to 250.134(B) cant be used other then we know that when a grounding conductor is run seperatly from the circuit conductors it increases the impedance of a circuit in a fault condition, but it does clearly state it can be ran seperatly.
I know I argued this years ago on here, and for the life of me, I cant remember why I was told it wasn't allowed.
- Location
- Logan, Utah
300.3(B) is a general rule, 250.130(C) applys to a specific situation.
I disagree, 250.130(C) and 250.134(B) Exception #1 permit the EGC to be run separate for ungroundede branch circuit extentions and replacement of ungrounded receptacles.
Correct, a ground wire is permitted to be run separate from the rest of the branch circuit conductors.
you know, I have no idea, I have never been given a clear reason why the exception to 250.134(B) cant be used other then we know that when a grounding conductor is run seperatly from the circuit conductors it increases the impedance of a circuit in a fault condition, but it does clearly state it can be ran seperatly.
I know I argued this years ago on here, and for the life of me, I cant remember why I was told it wasn't allowed.
Again this allowance for the EGC to be run separate is for a very specific situation and IMHO would most likely not cause any additional hazards or issues.
Chris
- Status