Smoke Detector Wiring
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Smoke Detector Wiring
On the SD's I purchased there are just 3 wires (black, white and yellow). Can I use 14/2 wg NM to wire these ( ie: use the bare ground wire for the interconnect [yellow] connection ) or must I use 14/3 wg and just clip the ground wire?
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No, you cannot use the bare ground wire to interconnect them. You are not allowed to use a ground wire as anything but a ground wire.
You need 14/3 (or 12/3). The ground wires get connected together, and also connected to the boxes if using metal boxes.
You need 14/3 (or 12/3). The ground wires get connected together, and also connected to the boxes if using metal boxes.
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This interconnecting wire is NOT bonded to any grounding system and will receive voltage when the alarms are set off. YOU MUST USE ANOTHER INSULATED (not green) conductor.
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OK, that's what I was planning on doing anyway. Seems someone should make 14/3 and 12/3 without the ground wire for SD's. Black/White/Yellow just for this purpose.
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Originally Posted by Joe.Carrick
OK, that's what I was planning on doing anyway. Seems someone should make 14/3 and 12/3 without the ground wire for SD's. Black/White/Yellow just for this purpose.
#8
Hmmm.....just wanted to add...they do make 14/3 without ground. Not sure if all supply houses carry it these days but they do make it.
The real point here is what IF someone in the attic lets say AFTER YOU...decides to add something and they say...hey that ceiling box is a nice place to tap into.....then if you did not have a ground how could ANYTHING beyond that be bonded to the systems grounding system.
You can never assume anything on what MIGHT happen down the road....making sure that ground wire ( bare ) is their insures if someone ever does tap into it...you will HOPE they use the ground as intended.
The real point here is what IF someone in the attic lets say AFTER YOU...decides to add something and they say...hey that ceiling box is a nice place to tap into.....then if you did not have a ground how could ANYTHING beyond that be bonded to the systems grounding system.
You can never assume anything on what MIGHT happen down the road....making sure that ground wire ( bare ) is their insures if someone ever does tap into it...you will HOPE they use the ground as intended.