Hi,
I have a metal switch box that's properly grounded and it is very very tight. It has a double rocker in it and a three way rocker. Is it OK to use clips to clip the ground wires to the box and to rely on the screws to ground the switches themselves?
Thanks!
Aaron.
Not up to Code, no.
If if is so full, the box probably also exceeds Code capacity/fill rules as well.
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If it's a properly grounded metal box, the screws that secure the switch to the box is an acceptable method of grounding
Assuming the US code - You can use listed ground clips to attach ground wires to the box.
The switch mounting screws can be used to ground a switch when using a grounded metal box.
note only if the device is solidly attached to the box.......
the plaster ears on plaster, with outlet screwed in place is problmatic at best
note only if the device is solidly attached to the box.......
the plaster ears on plaster, with outlet screwed in place is problmatic at best
First of all this discussion is regarding "switches" not "outlets", and where do you derive your "note" ? or do you just make it up as you go along
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I troubleshooted a outlet that occasionally tripped its breaker, the hot lead was touching poorly the mount, but only tripped now and then. left burned screw......
that meant the ground might be hot, and ground wasnt ground:(
it took only a minute to find, the receptable was on its plaster ears.
perhaps i am not explaing this properly but a seperate ground wire is always a excellent idea.
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Ok assume a switch is sitting on its plaster ears, supposedly grounded by its screws but not really secure:(
the switch fails somehow, and powers the switch frame to line voltage.
a kid reaches for the switch, touches a cover mount screw and gets electrocuited....
thats why seperate ground wire is best
Ok assume a switch is sitting on its plaster ears, supposedly grounded by its screws but not really secure:(
the switch fails somehow, and powers the switch frame to line voltage.
a kid reaches for the switch, touches a cover mount screw and gets electrocuited....
thats why seperate ground wire is best
Haller, read the original post. According to the NEC, you know, the guys that write the electric code, the screws securing a switch are sufficient for grounding when a properly grounded metal box is used. If you want to inject your wild assed scenarios, that's fine, but at least use some frame of reference to let the OP know that it's just your opinion and not based on any document or science
Right as we speak, there are millions of dead kids in the US waiting to be buried, because a switch was not grounded and the kid grabbed onto the screws holding on the plastic cover plate on a switch, and refusing to let go, they held to the screws until they died. If you line these kids up head to feet, they would encircle the globe ten times. These are just the kids that died in the past 24 hours too......... You can see these dead kids here:
We can only blame electricians who are too stupid or lazy to use a ground wire on a switch.
I have seen some switches and outlets that had small spring wires to improve the screw-to-device connection.
Don Young
Anything sitting on its plaster ears, depending on a steel screw, is not a 100% reliable ground.....
its usually easy to add a proper ground wire......
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