Grounding Electrical Covers

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dougmiller

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Does a metallic weatherproof cover need a direct contact to ground even if the gasket on the backside of the cover may protect the cover from energized conductors?

NEC550.15(D) and NEC406.5(B) seem to be very clear. However, a manufacturer has released a flat weatherproof receptacle cover to the market where the mounting screws go through plastic inserts and make no contact with the metal parts of the cover.

Any information on this matter is most appreciated.

Thanks,
DM
 
I wouldn't think so, especially since you could have a metal cover/screws on a PVC box. The gasket is not used for electrical insulation, but weatherproofing the enclosure.

As long as the cover/box is rated for wet locations, there is no requirement that I am aware of.
 
I see no "even if" to 406.5. I would say "needs to be grounded"
 
If I install these covers and something goes wrong, what prevents somebody from being shocked?

All boxes, conduit, & lighting fixtures must be grounded, why not covers? Is there an exception in the code that I am missing?
 
Is the device isolated from the cover?

Where an EGC exist--If the WP cover screws (or attaches) to the device, then you have meet code.

I agree with Don!
 
The screws do go into the metal grounding yoke/strap of the receptacle; but do not contact the metal parts of the cover. Therefore there is no grounding continuity with the cover.
 
Maybe I am over simplifying it but I would just send them back and get 'normal' ones.

I agree with the others, the plate must be grounded and there are no exceptions.
 
dougmiller said:
The screws do go into the metal grounding yoke/strap of the receptacle; but do not contact the metal parts of the cover. Therefore there is no grounding continuity with the cover.
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I have never seen a cover like that before, I agree with Bob, just change to a differnt brand, or use plastic covers and dont worry about bonding at all...
 
doug,

you can always get a ruling from your AHJ. Give an inspector a call, or better yet, take the cover with you, and meet someone face to face--so they can see what you have.
 
dougmiller said:
The screws do go into the metal grounding yoke/strap of the receptacle; but do not contact the metal parts of the cover. Therefore there is no grounding continuity with the cover.
Click to expand...


I was just looking at this picture again, and it looks to me like it has recessed areas at the corners of the platic cover for screws that should line up with the other holes that are in metal bell boxes, if they used those it would then be bonded.
 
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