angelmartinez@cox.net
New member
As per this article, am I required to install a grounded conductor when installing/replacing a occupancy sensor in a existing wall switch location?
Art. 404.2 (c) of 2011 NEC Switches Controlling Lighting Loads
- Thread starter angelmartinez@cox.net
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jbelectric777
Senior Member
- Location
- NJ/PA
they usually need a neutral (grounded conductor) and you cant use a ground so just from a controls logic standpoint i'd say yes. also check which code your area is on, most municipalities havent even adopted the 2011 yet
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
The 2011 NEC requires a grounded conductor whether there is an occupancy sensor or not- with a few exceptions. I think you will find that most OS require a neutral.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Unless the occupancy sensor requires a grounded conductor, there is nothing in the current code that would require you to run a grounded conductor to the switch box when changing a standard switch an occupancy sensor. The current UL standard still permits the occupancy sensor to use the EGC as the grounded conductor.
Ragin Cajun
Senior Member
- Location
- Upstate S.C.
Lutron has OS's that state no neutral required.
RC
RC
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
You still need a neutral at that switch under the 2011.
muskrat
Member
- Location
- St. Louis, MO
What RC said...Hubbell too.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
I expect the the sensors that don't need a grounded conductor now, will soon no longer be manufactured. Most that don't need a grounded conductor use the EGC as a grounded conductor for the sensor power. The UL standard is being changed to prohibit that.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
If it is a new switch, I agree, but this thread is about replacing a snap switch with an occupancy sensor. In my opinion, the code does not require running a grounded conductor to the switch box unless the new occupancy sensor requires a grounded conductor.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I would agree with that but if the occupancy sensor requires a neutral you have no choice. I wonder how long the older style will be around?
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
I agree.
I think it will be a few years. I don't think UL has even issued the new standard.
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