pierre
Senior Member
- Location
- Westchester County, New York
Re: grounding
Using the term "BX" for armored cable that is currently manufactured is a mistake, but is widely accepted, hence the slang "BX".
What is really important to understand about the difference between the two types of cable is the grounding path.
The cable sheath of BX is not permitted to be used for grounding purposes, as it is very unreliable as a grounding path. It may work, or it may not
).
When replacing older 2-prong receptacles look for the bonding strip that is manufactured in the cable with AC Cable. If you see the bonding stip, there is a very good chance the box is grounded(bonded).
Pull out your tester, and check from hot conductor to grounded conductor, then from hot conductor to the box, this will give you an indication of whether there is a grounding path. Just remember that you may get a ground path reading off of the old style BX.... again, check for the bonding strip.
Sometimes you will even see the bonding strip of AC Cable is wrapped around a screw in the enclosure - that is not necessary, as it is a "bonding strip", not an equipment grounding conductor.
Using the term "BX" for armored cable that is currently manufactured is a mistake, but is widely accepted, hence the slang "BX".
What is really important to understand about the difference between the two types of cable is the grounding path.
The cable sheath of BX is not permitted to be used for grounding purposes, as it is very unreliable as a grounding path. It may work, or it may not
).When replacing older 2-prong receptacles look for the bonding strip that is manufactured in the cable with AC Cable. If you see the bonding stip, there is a very good chance the box is grounded(bonded).
Pull out your tester, and check from hot conductor to grounded conductor, then from hot conductor to the box, this will give you an indication of whether there is a grounding path. Just remember that you may get a ground path reading off of the old style BX.... again, check for the bonding strip.
Sometimes you will even see the bonding strip of AC Cable is wrapped around a screw in the enclosure - that is not necessary, as it is a "bonding strip", not an equipment grounding conductor.
