Grounding multiple circuits

Hello all, it's me again.

I feel certain this has been answered before (probably multiple times), however the search function does not work properly for me--I get a blank page no matter how long I wait. I only have internet access at work and it goes through a VERY stringent filter that I think causes havoc. Whatever the reason, I can't do a keyword search and my visual skimming turned up nothing. So here goes:

If I have a plastic multiple gang box with non-grounded switches (or a mixture of grounded & non-grounded switches) that are serviced by multiple circuits, can I bond ALL grounds in the box together?

Or do I need to bond all the grounds on one circuit together, do that for each individual circuit and keep each circuit's grounds electrically separated from each other?

Thanks so much!

 

Bond ALL the EGC"s together in the O-B.

If there are two 2-wire Branch-Circuit "Feeds" in the O-B, connecting the two EGC's together will reduce the resistance of the Fault-Current path by 1/2.

Good Luck & Enjoy the Experience!!!!!

 

If by non-grounding switches, you mean switches without a green grounding screw, then I recommend replacing them. There's no reason to skimp on safety to save fifty cents.

Also, I want to make 100% sure that by your use of the ambiguous term "ground" refers to the bare "grounding" wires and not the white "grounded" wires. If so, then what PATTBAA said is correct.

 

PATTBAA:

Yes, there will be two 2-wire branch circuit feeds in the O-B. Your comment on reducing resistance by 1/2 makes complete sense. I was thinking something along those lines and thought it would PROBABLY be OK, but I didn't want to go on just PROBABLY. Thanks!

John:

I apologize on lack of proper terminolgy usage. If I had posted this back when I would read this forum on a daily basis I probably would have used the correct terms. However it has been months since I have visited the electrical forum and I have to admit that I've slipped back into my pre-forum form. Yes, I did mean the EGCs and not the grounded conductors. I know not to cross circuits with the 'neutrals' (I'm not doing any shared neutral circuits at all).

Regarding the non-grounding switches: Under normal operating conditions I ALWAYS choose the grounding type switches--I'm with you and don't see the need to skimp. However this time due to space constraints and lighting needs, I got a combo 3-way/single pole duplex switch. The only way that came was non-grounding.

Thanks again, y'all!

 

It is SOP to Bond together, in any outlet-box or enclosure, all metal sufaces and EGC's in order to form a "cohesive mass" that is at Ground potential.