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Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Question:
Re: CQD answer published Monday, March 7, 2016 -Snap Switch Grounding
I read the Q&A and remain a little confused.
The terminal on the yoke of the snap switch is there for bonding the yoke to the grounding conductor for certain instances. Those instances don't include use of a metal grounded box with the yoke of the switch fastened by metal screws. Also, the yoke, as I read the requirement, doesn't need to be bonded if a nonmetallic face plate is used even if a nonmetallic outlet box is used. Since the Q didn't provide all the salient information, it's possible that the installation meets the 404.9(B) requirements. Also, please note, all outlets, in residences, are on a GFIC circuit as well. Best Regards, Nick Abbatiello
A
Answer:
Hey Nick it's good to hear from you, thanks for your comment, I get confused sometimes also. The first sentence of 404.9(B) is clear that switches must be connected to an equipment grounding conductor. Two methods are provided (1) in metal boxes, (2) connect an equipment grounding conductor or equipment bonding jumper to the equipment grounding terminal of the switch. The question stated that the boxes are plastic so the metal box option doesn't apply. Exception No 1 is conditional on an equipment grounding conductor or means not existing (the question stated that it did) and the other exceptions apply to special types of switches. Even if a nonconductive faceplate is initially installed using nonmetallic screws someone could replace it with a metal faceplate, that is why the words "whether or not a metal faceplate is installed" is included in the first sentence. Without an effective ground fault current path the metal faceplate could remain energized due to an insulation or switch failure.
All outlets in dwellings are not required to have GFCI or AFCI protection.