Metallic Covers / Plastic Boxes

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Ben Trueblood

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Is the interpretation of Article 314.25(a) say that it is permitted to use metal covers on plastic boxes? ie: a blank cover
Does Article 341.41 say you can't because the material is not alike?
What would you do to ensure the grounding if allowed?
 
I think you would need to check 250.110 [as directed from 314.25(A)].

To cut to the chase, 250.110 states:
Exposed non–current-carrying metal parts of fixed equipment likely to become energized shall be grounded under any of the following conditions:
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Is your blank cover "likely to become energized"?

I think that's your answer.
 
The difference is that a metal switch plate or outlet plate is connected directly to the yoke of the devise. Where if you cap off the wires in a box and set them back they are not likely to come in contact with the blank plate.
 
stickboy1375 said:
same way my metal switch plate is to become energized....
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It's not the same.

Your device has wires attached to it.
Your device is attached to a plate.

A blank has no device attched to it
 
Jim W in Tampa said:
Wire nuts have been known to come lose.If it was me i would stay with plastic.
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You've been known to have a screw loose or two - but we don't go blabbling it all over the place....


Opps:D
 
celtic said:
It's not the same.

Your device has wires attached to it.
Your device is attached to a plate.

A blank has no device attched to it
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Not to argue, but I just don't see the difference, a wire is a wire, and a potential is a potential
 
stickboy1375 said:
Not to argue, but I just don't see the difference, a wire is a wire, and a potential is a potential
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A wire is a wire....and potential is potential....BUT...."likely to become energized" is another matter.
 
LarryFine said:
Did you suffer less lightning damage back then?
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That reminds me...Groucho Marx?

Dr. Q: Do you suffer from frequent dizzy spells?
GM A: No, I rather enjoy them!

:D
 
stickboy1375 said:
You must be right because I have never seen a metal blank plate with a ground screw... :)
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Can we agree to say: I *might* be right....

I haven't seen every blank plate on the market - have you ;)
 
When a term is not defined in the NEC you need to go to a "standard" dictionary or thesaurus.

"Likely to become energized" could be restated as "Probably will become energized" or "To be expected to become energized".

In common usage, "likely" is almost never means "possibly".

Imagine the conversation
Employee: Can I take the afternoon off?
Boss: Likely

What does the employee think is going to happen?
 
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