Bonding switches to their enclosures.

[cribside80]

Today at work, I got into a discussion with a co-worker about the question of whether or not you are required to bond a snap switch (or any other type of switch for that matter) to the metal enclosure in which it is installed.

He said that it was not a requirement. I agreed that it had not been a requirement in the past, but that at some point (I thought it was the 2002 NEC), all that changed, making it now a requirement to bond switches to their respective enclosures.

So far, I am coming up with: I am wrong. If that is the case, I am willing to admit it. But, I could have sworn that the rules changed at some point.

What is puzzling to me is the idea that receptacles must be bonded to their enclosures but not switches. I don't see the difference functionally.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[roger]

404.9(B)

Roger

 

[infinity]

This code change involved grounding metal faceplate's. Roger's post shows the different ways that this can be achieved. A grounded metal box is permitted to ground the switch through the two 6-32" mounting screws. A bonding jumper to the box is not required.

 

[cadpoint]

In most cases your bonding the exterior structural thats make up the outer structure of the chassie. While designed isolated from the switching operation, it is a potential in a failure, and the bond is installed, to aid in the tripping of the circuit breaker, and help carry away the potential difference.