Code Question: re Grounding Switches

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JFletcher

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When replacing switches that, at the time of install, were not required to be grounded (dont even have a grounding terminal), but grounds are in the switchbox, does one have to ground a new switch? I would presume that this falls under whatever NEC/IBC code cycle you are on, and that all by now require switches to be grounded. I know that old 2 prong receptacles can be replaced with new 2 prong receptacles and that is code-compliant, but is there anything similar for switches?
 
If the switch box is metallic and the EGC is connected to the box, all you have to do it install the switch. The screws are permitted to be the means of bonding for the switch.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
If the switch box is metallic and the EGC is connected to the box, all you have to do it install the switch. The screws are permitted to be the means of bonding for the switch.
Click to expand...

Plastic/fiberglass/bakelite? boxes. Not metal, so 404.9(B)(1) doesnt come into play here.

eta: you've pointed me to where switches are required to be grounded. I have only the 08 NEC atm - when were switches required to be grounded, and do replacements have to be grounded?
 
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don_resqcapt19 said:
If the switch box is metallic and the EGC is connected to the box, all you have to do it install the switch. The screws are permitted to be the means of bonding for the switch.
Click to expand...

Assuming there is no Mud/plaster ring.


JFletcher said:
Plastic/fiberglass/bakelite? boxes. Not metal, so 404.9(B)(1) doesnt come into play here.

eta: you've pointed me to where switches are required to be grounded. I have only the 08 NEC atm - when were switches required to be grounded, and do replacements have to be grounded?
Click to expand...

I think even if you have a plastic box you still have to bond the yoke of the switch to an EGC. Some exceptions do apply 404.9(b)(2) exceptions.

IMO, if you install the new switch it will be your responsibility to make sure the switch is connected to an EGC, unless you can satisfy the exception in 404.9(b)(2)
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
The fact that a box has a mud or plaster ring does not change anything...the switch mounting screws are still permitted to be the bonding connection for the switch.
Click to expand...


This is from the book. mudring is not on there.


404.9 Provisions for General-Use Snap
Switches
(A) Faceplates. Faceplates provided for snap switches
mounted in boxes and other enclosures shall be installed so
as to completely cover the opening and, where the switch is
flush mounted, seat against the finished surface.
(B) Grounding. Snap switches, including dimmer and

similar control switches, shall be connected to an equipment
grounding conductor and shall provide a means to connect
metal faceplates to the equipment grounding conductor,
whether or not a metal faceplate is installed. Snap switches
shall be considered to be part of an effective ground-fault
current path if either of the following conditions is met:
(1) The switch is mounted with metal screws to a metal box
or metal cover that is connected to an equipment
grounding conductor or to a nonmetallic box with integral
means for connecting to an equipment grounding
conductor.
(2) An equipment grounding conductor or equipment bonding
jumper is connected to an equipment grounding termination
of the snap switch.

 
edward said:
This is from the book. mudring is not on there.


404.9 Provisions for General-Use Snap
Switches
(A) Faceplates. Faceplates provided for snap switches
mounted in boxes and other enclosures shall be installed so
as to completely cover the opening and, where the switch is
flush mounted, seat against the finished surface.
(B) Grounding. Snap switches, including dimmer and

similar control switches, shall be connected to an equipment
grounding conductor and shall provide a means to connect
metal faceplates to the equipment grounding conductor,
whether or not a metal faceplate is installed. Snap switches
shall be considered to be part of an effective ground-fault
current path if either of the following conditions is met:
(1) The switch is mounted with metal screws to a metal box
or metal cover that is connected to an equipment
grounding conductor or to a nonmetallic box with integral
means for connecting to an equipment grounding
conductor.
(2) An equipment grounding conductor or equipment bonding
jumper is connected to an equipment grounding termination
of the snap switch.
Click to expand...
I could be wrong but I think the mud ring is accepted as an extension of the box and is considered bonded as long as it is electrically continuous to the box.



So what if replacing a switch on an older system that has no equipment grounding conductors/didn't originally require EGC?
 
kwired said:
I could be wrong but I think the mud ring is accepted as an extension of the box and is considered bonded as long as it is electrically continuous to the box.



So what if replacing a switch on an older system that has no equipment grounding conductors/didn't originally require EGC?
Click to expand...

Then you can install a switch but not connect the EGC terminal. Because there is nothing to connect to. Unless it is metal box with an approved wiring method as listed in 250.118

As far as the mud ring, i have not been able to find it in the UL book that applies to this application.
 
kwired said:
So what if replacing a switch on an older system that has no equipment grounding conductors/didn't originally require EGC?
Click to expand...

There are grounding conductors in the boxes. The question is: when replacing a switch that was ungrounded (and code-compliant at the time of install), does the new switch have to be grounded if there is means to do so? Basically, do I have to bring it up to current code?

edward said:
IMO, if you install the new switch it will be your responsibility to make sure the switch is connected to an EGC, unless you can satisfy the exception in 404.9(b)(2)
Click to expand...

My opinion as well, but I very well may be wrong. Virginia residential is under the 2012 VA residential code, not under the NEC.

Here's the relevant section:

E4001.11.1 Faceplate grounding.
Snap switches, including dimmer and similar control switches, shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor and shall provide a means to connect metal faceplates to the equipment grounding conductor, whether or not a metal faceplate is installed. Snap switches shall be considered to be part of an effective ground-fault current path if either of the following conditions is met:

1. The switch is mounted with metal screws to a metal box or metal cover that is connected to an equipment grounding conductor or to a nonmetallic box with integral means for connecting to an equipment grounding conductor.

2. An equipment grounding conductor or equipment bonding jumper is connected to an equipment grounding termination of the snap switch.

Exceptions:
1. Where a means to connect to an equipment grounding conductor does not exist within the snap-switch enclosure or where the wiring method does not include or provide an equipment grounding conductor, a snap switch without a grounding connection to an equipment grounding conductor shall be permitted for replacement purposes only. A snap switch wired under the provisions of this exception and located within 8 feet (2438 mm) vertically or 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally of ground or exposed grounded metal objects, shall be provided with a faceplate of nonconducting noncombustible material with nonmetallic attachment screws, except where the switch-mounting strap or yoke is nonmetallic or the circuit is protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.

2. Listed kits or listed assemblies shall not be required to be connected to an equipment grounding conductor if all of the following conditions apply:

2.1. The device is provided with a nonmetallic faceplate that cannot be installed on any other type of device.

2.2. The device does not have mounting means to accept other configurations of faceplates.

2.3. The device is equipped with a nonmetallic yoke.

2.4. All parts of the device that are accessible after installation of the faceplate are manufactured of nonmetallic materials.

3. Connection to an equipment grounding conductor shall not be required for snap switches that have an integral nonmetallic enclosure complying with Section E3905.13.
 
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If there is an EGC in the box why would you not connect it to the switch?
 
trojans4 said:
If there is an EGC in the box why would you not connect it to the switch?
Click to expand...

*I* would, even if it meant pulling 3 other switches out of the box to get to the grounds, and probably redoing all of the switches in the process. I was asking for more of a code standpoint. I know a 2 prong outlet can be replaced with another, dont even need to be TR, was wondering if there was a similar thing for replacing ungrounded switches. I also ask because I've seen a ton of dimmers with soldered-on ground wires not hooked up, just tucked in the box. I'm having a hard time believing ALL of these were HO/hack installed.
 
Not sure if I understand your question but if there is an EGC in the box you must replace the two prong receptacle with a 3 prong grounding type receptacle and connect the EGC to the grounding contacts on the receptacle. This is from 406.4(D)(1). The way I read the article you can not replace a non-grounding receptacle with another non-grounding receptacle if there is a grounding means in the receptacle box.
 
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