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What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Multi-Purpose Mounting Screw

May 8, 2014
Can you identify the Code violation(s) in this photo?

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight as an electrical inspector and second-guess someone else's work from the safety of your living room or office. It's your turn to identify the violation.

Hint: Multi-purpose mounting screw

Find the Answer

You never quite know what you’re going to find when you’re doing repair or replacement work. This is what I discovered when I removed the luminaire attached to this box for the purpose of installing a new fixture.

The equipment grounding conductor was attached to the 8/32 cover screw instead of being attached to a grounding screw “used for no other purpose,” as required by Sec. 250.148(C). Instead, this installer took a shortcut and created a Code violation. A grounding clip or other equipment listed for grounding could have also been used to attach the equipment ground wire to the metal box.

Another related requirement is Sec. 410.44, which requires metal luminaires to be “mechanically connected to an equipment grounding conductor.” Also, luminaires with exposed metal parts must be provided with a means for connecting an equipment ground wire to such luminares, as required in Sec. 410.46.

To ensure proper grounding for this installation, I removed the ground wire from the 8/32 cover screw. I then installed a grounding screw in the box, attached a grounding “‘pigtail” to that screw, and connected the equipment ground wire from the fixture and the branch circuit wire together with a wire connector. The wall surface was gypsum wall board so there was no concern about covering any combustible material between the box and the luminaire canopy as required in Sec. 410.23.

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.

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