lighting switch

[carlos0108]

Do you have to ground 15amp/20amp single pole single throw toggle switches whether its house or restaurant lighting or office lighting ?
Some coworkers say I have to ground them others say I dont have to ground them. Some inspectors say you need a ground and some inspectors say you dont need to ground them. My question is where in the code book can I find where a single pole single throw 120v, basic toggle switch is required to be grounded.

 

[roger]

Carlos, read 404.9(B).

Roger

 

[carlos0108]

thanks for the code

 

[roger]

You're welcome, and welcome to the forum.

Roger

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Years ago most of the switches you would buy would not have a ground screw on them. No one ever grounded them in residential work. Then , around here anyway, they would allows use to use nylon screws on a plastic plate and we would be okay. Unfortunately after inspection when the HO or whoever change to new plates the metal screws were back and sometimes with metal faceplates also.

 

[nolabama]

first job i was on i was told not to bother with the ground on switches - i hate being lied to

 

[nyerinfl]

404.12 would also apply for the enclosure.

 

[walkerj]

Most people in my parts don't ground their switches. Or if they do, just one. Our inspectors don't seem to care since most at our shop don't do it and we finish 5-6 trimouts a week. I personally do't approve of it, but in this area most EC's have the "I been doin it that way for 30 years, boy!" mentality.
BTW our licensing test is '93 code

 

[infinity]

It really depends on the type of box you're using. A metal box would ground the switch through the mounting screws and no further connection is required.

 

[walkerj]

It really depends on the type of box you're using. A metal box would ground the switch through the mounting screws and no further connection is required.

If the device is completely flush with the metal box.

 

[chris kennedy]

If the device is completely flush with the metal box.

And one screw-retention washer removed.

 

[walkerj]

And one screw-retention washer removed.

Good point. I have seen a lot of devices without a ground hooked on it with it still on

 

[donselectric]

i asked the same ? at a code update and was told if it's within 5ft of a grd surface then yes

 

[fbhwt]

Whats the difference?

Whats the difference?

It really depends on the type of box you're using. A metal box would ground the switch through the mounting screws and no further connection is required.

Check your reply to "Parking Lot Pole Lights" post #24

 

[dezwitinc]

Most people in my parts don't ground their switches. Or if they do, just one.

What is the theory behind only grounding one of the switches?
This makes no sense to me.

 

[fbhwt]

It really depends on the type of box you're using. A metal box would ground the switch through the mounting screws and no further connection is required.

Check out IWIRE's reply to "Parking Lot Pole Lighting" post #20

 

[brantmacga]

If the device is completely flush with the metal box.

it need not be completely flush to ground through the screws.