ungrounded switches

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wigi

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An electrical contractor is challenging that he can use ungrded sw cause all the boxes are bonded already with an equipment grnd wire. and art404.9B(1) allows it if the sw is mounted with metal screw to a metal box Is It Allowed I would appreciate an answer
 
Re: ungrounded switches

The switch must be grounded, however the mounting screws connected to a grounded metal box satisfies the NEC. No additional bonding is required.

[ November 17, 2005, 10:05 AM: Message edited by: infinity ]
 
Re: ungrounded switches

to me 110.3(B) applies if the switch has a ground screw it MUST be connected
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Just because it has a ground screw does not mean that it must be connected. Self grounding receptacles have ground screws and they do not need to be connected either.
 
Re: ungrounded switches

404.9 Provisions for General-Use Snap Switches

(B) Grounding Snap switches, including dimmer and similar control switches, shall be effectively grounded and shall provide a means to ground metal faceplates, whether or not a metal faceplate is installed. Snap switches shall be considered effectively grounded if either of the following conditions is met:

(1) The switch is mounted with metal screws to a metal box or to a nonmetallic box with integral means for grounding devices.

(2) An equipment grounding conductor or equipment bonding jumper is connected to an equipment grounding termination of the snap switch.

Exception to (B): Where no grounding means exists within the snap-switch enclosure or where the wiring method does not include or provide an equipment ground, a snap switch without a grounding connection shall be permitted for replacement purposes only. A snap switch wired under the provisions of this exception and located within reach of earth, grade, conducting floors, or other conducting surfaces shall be provided with a faceplate of nonconducting, noncombustible material or shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter.
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Roger

[ November 17, 2005, 08:27 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
Re: ungrounded switches

Thanks Roger, I didn't have the book in front of me.


Trevor
 
Re: ungrounded switches

You're welcome Trevor.

Roger
 
Re: ungrounded switches

So the only time you need to use the ground screws on the devices is in a non-metalic box?

Seems kinda dumb to me. why don't they make more devices without ground screws? would seem it would be cheaper in the long run.
 
Re: ungrounded switches

Seems kinda dumb to me. why don't they make more devices without ground screws? would seem it would be cheaper in the long run.
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The result of that would be finding lots of those type ending up in non metallic boxes where they don't belong. They would get installed by those who don't know what they are doing wrong.
 
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