Grounding 4 square boxes

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radahak

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I'm having a debate with some co-workers about grounding 4 square boxes. Some people and city inspectors have told me that grounding the box by stripping the wire 1" from where it enters the box and attaching it to the ground screw and back out to pick up other grounds in the box,(easiest way to explain) was not allowed vs putting a ground tail in the box which is the right way. I said that the ground tail was the way to go. Is the other way legal or allowed?
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

300.14 Length of Free Conductors at Outlets, Junctions, and Switch Points. At least 150mm (6in.) of free conductor measured from the point in the box where it emerges from it's raceway or cable sheath, shall be left at each outlet, junction, and switch point for splices or the connection of luminaires (fixtures) or devices. Where the opening to an outlet, junction, or switch point is less than 200mm (8in.) in any dimension, each conductor shall be long enough to extend at least 75mm (3 in.) outside the opening.

Exeption: Conductors that are not spliced or terminated at the outlet, junction or switch point shall not be required to comply with 300.14

[ February 11, 2005, 10:35 PM: Message edited by: physis ]
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

so the ground needs to have 6in out of raceway before splicing or grounding to box?
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

Originally posted by physis:
300.14 Length of Free Conductors at Outlets, Junctions, and Switch Points. At least 150mm (6in.) of free conductor measured from the point in the box where it emerges from it's raceway or cable sheath, shall be left at each outlet, junction, and switch point for splices or the connection of luminaires (fixtures) or devices. Where the opening to an outlet, junction, or switch point is less than 200mm (8in.) in any dimension, each conductor shall be long enough to extend at least 75mm (3 in.) outside the opening.

Exeption: Conductors that are not spliced or terminated at the outlet, junction or switch point shall not be required to comply with 300.14
Click to expand...
So you're saying that I can't have the six inches of wire after I wrap the ground screw with my ground wire?
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

That's the way I'm reading it.

At least 150mm (6in.) of free conductor measured from the point in the box where it emerges from it's raceway or cable sheath,
Click to expand...
Edit: It wouldn't be free for six inches if you bolted it down at 1 inch.

[ February 12, 2005, 01:21 AM: Message edited by: physis ]
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

...for splices or the connection of luminaires (fixtures) or devices.
Click to expand...
If the ground wraps the screw first, then proceeds unspliced for 6", you have left 6" for splices or the connection of devices, IMO. If this code mentioned six inches before any termination, we could sweat, but I don't really think an unspliced grounding connection to the box prior to leaving 6" of wire is a violation of this code.

In my opinion. :)

Edit to add: If I'm wrong, I'll just leave an extra inch of sheathing to where the sheathing touches the ground screw, terminate it, and then I can measure 6" from where the conductors exit the sheathing. :D

[ February 12, 2005, 09:11 AM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

Hi George,

Let me try to trim this down a little closer to the active ingredient.

measured from the point in the box where it emerges from it's raceway or cable sheath
Click to expand...
I don't see how you can measure the six inches from the ground screw instead of where it says to and still be in compliance. :)
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

I think the intent is to prevent the conductor from being broken off all the way back where it enters the box.
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

I'd say Sam has it spelled out pretty clearly. And I think this has merit. I have gone in to rework boxes many times that are setup like originally mentioned. And many times the egc has broken of at the ground screw leaving very little to work with. I could certainly see some less than scrupulous people just abandoning the egc because of this.
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

I see that you guys got my question. What if it broke? Thats what the inspector told me thats why its not allowed. I have always tailed out first, but we have guys that do it the other way. I guess you cant teach an old dog new tricks. I mentioned this to them but they continue to not listen.
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

I guess I'll go back to splicing the EGC's, then fold them back, hook the ground screw at the tip of the (green or crimp sleeve), and then come out for my device. Got out of the habit. :D
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

I'll be honest. I've done it that way many times. But I have always included, what we used to call, a service loop in the conductor. It might not have been 6 inches but it was always at least 3 1/2 or 4.
 
Re: Grounding 4 square boxes

I am not saying the method itself is wrong. I too do it. But I also leave a loop with enough length so if it does break off you have more to work with and it is code compliant. I even use the extra box screw for this on metal old work boxes. :D

[ February 13, 2005, 09:17 AM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
 
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