romex and metal box?

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romeo

Senior Member
romex and metal box?

I've used them of course, but I never was a big fan of the grounding clips. Threaded screw and pigtail into the machine hole in the back of the box-yes, much better.

I agree about the grounding clip, I know they are labeled and listed for the purpose but I never liked the sharp bend the gec makes when it leaves the clip.

jmo
 

rwreuter

Senior Member
yes.

in 4" square boxes (surface mount) I use a screw, in nail-up boxes (flush mount) i use a clip.

31hpIlbIJbL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Don't forget it (screw or whatever) HAS to be green, and not painted or sharpied green either.
 

e57

Senior Member
my reply was to post number two. Please show me a code article that says I have to ground the device along with the box. I'd like to see it.

2008 NEC
Receptacles 406.3(C)
Switches 404.9(B)
Yep - them ones are the same in the '05 NEC too... Don't tell me mcclary, you're one of those who think all switches and recepticals are 'self-grounding', and don't need anything on the silly green screw on the device?
 

jaylectricity

Senior Member
Location
Massachusetts
Occupation
licensed journeyman electrician
Yep - them ones are the same in the '05 NEC too... Don't tell me mcclary, you're one of those who think all switches and recepticals are 'self-grounding', and don't need anything on the silly green screw on the device?

Not this again. Start reading here.
 

e57

Senior Member
Not this again. Start reading here.
Well I guess it is 'this' again.... :D Not sure if 250.146(B) was brought up in that thread - but it is clear that self-grounding devices are listed for the purpose and required when the yoke is not in contact with the box to include removal of the little plastic screw holder... (Requiring the box or ring be proud of finish...) Otherwise the receptical yoke must be grounded with a wire EGC... And I only mention it because I often come across people from LaLa land who think otherwise.... :roll: Additionally - That somehow switches need no EGC... 404.9(B)1 is not worded as well - but I don't think many inspectors would accept a loose free-floating switch install to a metal metal box as "Effectively grounded" - otherwise 404.9(B)2 is in effect IMO....

A "listed self-grounding" device yoke - like the one pictured on this receptical below are not found on many switches, and even fewer (if any?) dimmers.
998019504.jpg
 

LarryFine

Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
Location
Henrico County, VA
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
A "listed self-grounding" device yoke - like the one pictured on this receptical below are not found on many switches, and even fewer (if any?) dimmers.
998019504.jpg
No, but they do not require removal of the plastic or fiber screw retainer. The piece on the yoke permits the screw itself to act as the conductor, and does not depend on yoke-to-box contact, which does require retainer removal.

I also have used G-clips from time to time, and have no issue with them when properly installed and not stretched apart.
 

e57

Senior Member
No, but they do not require removal of the plastic or fiber screw retainer. The piece on the yoke permits the screw itself to act as the conductor, and does not depend on yoke-to-box contact, which does require retainer removal.
Recpt.'s or switches??? For self-grounding type recept's - you would not have to remove the plastic screw retainer on the other screw....

Recept.'s - 250.146 requires an EGC unless 250.146 one the situations in (A~D) are met. (A) lays out removal of the plastic or fiber screw retainer for SURFACE MOUNTED metal boxes, (B) for self-grounding devices, which I assume you mean that "piece on the yoke"? (C&D floor boxes and isolated...)

Switches - while (like mentioned before) the wording of 404.9(B)1 is not as clear (true) - but a loose installation does not qualify for 250.4(A)5 IMO. The yoke is not "mounted to the box" - if anything in most cases it is mounted to sheetrock and loosely at that. Requiring a EGC IMO.

14689.jpg
 
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rwreuter

Senior Member
concerning the grounding/bonding screw, i guess this is the problem with different jurisdictions.

usually when someone becomes an apprentice, they are taught things that the NEC says and they learn what it says, plus, they then have to learn what that county or state may require. after awhile the two just meld together and you begin to think that the NEC requires both.

my fault, if i remember correctly (am sure i don't, and i thought the NEC backed it up) the WAC (Washington Administrative Code) required the screw to be green, especially for the bonding screw in the panel. they didn't want you to install a bonding screw in a panel that didn't belong there and color it green with a sharpie. usually that only happened when the apprentice lost the screw because he didn't put in there when he opened the panel. the journeyman would notice it after they were finished and he was inspecting it. by that time the screw was long gone.
 

Nium

Senior Member
Location
Bethlehem, PA
Green Main Bonding Jumper Screw

Green Main Bonding Jumper Screw

2008 NEC

250.28(B) Main Bonding Jumper Construction. Where a main bonding jumper is a screw only, the screw shall be identified with a green finish...

250.148(C) Metal Boxes. A connection shall be made between the one or more equipment grounding conductors and a metal box by means of a grounding screw that shall be used for no other purpose, epuipment listed for grounding, or a listed grounding device.

rwreuter,
You were right about the main bonding jumper screw needing to be green by the NEC, but alas the equipment grounding conductor screw (or bang on clip) doesn't need to be green. A clamp screw could be used as long as the clamp is removed and just the screw is used for the connection of the EGC to the box. If the EGC is looped under the clamp screw with the clamp installed holding down cable that wouldn't be allowed.
 

ericgold

Member
Switches - while (like mentioned before) the wording of 404.9(B)1 is not as clear (true) - but a loose installation does not qualify for 250.4(A)5 IMO. The yoke is not "mounted to the box" - if anything in most cases it is mounted to sheetrock and loosely at that. Requiring a EGC IMO.

You guys install switches in a wall without a box? That just seems wrong to me.
 

mcclary's electrical

Senior Member
Location
VA
Yep - them ones are the same in the '05 NEC too... Don't tell me mcclary, you're one of those who think all switches and recepticals are 'self-grounding', and don't need anything on the silly green screw on the device?

If mounted to a metal box, it is considered grounded. I'm aware of the raised cover acceptions, but you said mounted to a metal box.
 
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