I'm looking to get clarification on 406.3 (D)(3)(b). I understand that replacing a 2 prong receptacle with a GFCI receptacle will satisfy this rule. If you have old 2 wire NM, there is nothing to bond the GFCI to. What if you have old BX without the bonding wire. The steel sheath/metallic box will give you 120v line to ground. My understanding for replacing it with newer AC was that if a ground fault occurs the old BX which has a higher impedance, will not clear the fault as an EGC would. My question is should the GFCI receptacle be bonded to the metallic jb/BX? I realize the GFCI doesn't need to be grounded to protect, but is there an issue if it gets bonded to a higher impedance "ground" like the old BX/metal jb?
Old BX and 406.3
- Thread starter JOEE
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I cannot see why there would be a problem if you ground the GFCI to the jb and cable. It cannot hurt and can perhaps help.
al hildenbrand
Senior Member
- Location
- Minnesota
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor, Electrical Consultant, Electrical Engineer
To me, the real issue is about an existing armored cable installation that was installed under earlier Code. Looking at the receptacle to understand the cable won't help.
Last summer, I had a Late Fifties house moved from a neighboring suburb into my town, and was given the electrical work.
My Building Code says: because the house is moved it is a "new" house, all wiring has to meet Current Code.
I found the building had been wired with BX. I called the local electrical inspector for the new location of the house and asked if the BX could be used as an acceptable grounding means, even without the drain wire, and he approved it. I added new NM and receptacles and luminaires where needed to satisfy the '05 NEC, changed out the 2-wire receptacles with grounding type receptacles and a bonding jumper, and that was that.
I think your answer will come from the electrical inspector that handles that physical area.
Last summer, I had a Late Fifties house moved from a neighboring suburb into my town, and was given the electrical work.
My Building Code says: because the house is moved it is a "new" house, all wiring has to meet Current Code.
I found the building had been wired with BX. I called the local electrical inspector for the new location of the house and asked if the BX could be used as an acceptable grounding means, even without the drain wire, and he approved it. I added new NM and receptacles and luminaires where needed to satisfy the '05 NEC, changed out the 2-wire receptacles with grounding type receptacles and a bonding jumper, and that was that.
I think your answer will come from the electrical inspector that handles that physical area.
- Status