Problems after replacing metal box
#1
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Problems after replacing metal box
Good afternoon,
I am looking for help with a problem as I am a total newbie to electrical projects.
Here is the scenario: I had an existing metal box which has metal conduit attached to it from bottom and top. Bottom contains the hot wire which then feeds recessed lights on top.
I replaced the existing wall switch with a new one and later found that it would not fit in the existing metal box. I bought a deeper plastic box and replaced the metal box with it. After this, the recessed lights did not turn on. I noticed that my "pen" voltage tester now detects current throughout the metal conduit leading up to the recessed lights. I am assuming that by removing the metal box, I lost ground? Problem is that there are only two wires and no ground wire in the conduit.
Any clues on what is going on?
Thanks,
Angel
I am looking for help with a problem as I am a total newbie to electrical projects.
Here is the scenario: I had an existing metal box which has metal conduit attached to it from bottom and top. Bottom contains the hot wire which then feeds recessed lights on top.
I replaced the existing wall switch with a new one and later found that it would not fit in the existing metal box. I bought a deeper plastic box and replaced the metal box with it. After this, the recessed lights did not turn on. I noticed that my "pen" voltage tester now detects current throughout the metal conduit leading up to the recessed lights. I am assuming that by removing the metal box, I lost ground? Problem is that there are only two wires and no ground wire in the conduit.
Any clues on what is going on?
Thanks,
Angel
#2
You can not replace a metal box with a plastic box if metal conduit. It is not code compliant.
Non-contact testers are prone to false positives.
That is why a plastic box is not code compliant.
I noticed that my "pen" voltage tester now detects current throughout the metal conduit leading up to the recessed lights.
I am assuming that by removing the metal box, I lost ground? Problem is that there are only two wires and no ground wire in the conduit.
#3
Also as Ray said, you need to change the box back to metal. Metal boxes are available in a variety of depths with a variety of mud ring depths also.
#5
I replaced the existing wall switch with a new one and later found that it would not fit in the existing metal box.
#6
Now that is a major problem. The conduit needs to have a complete set of circuit conductors (hot and neutral) or be a switch loop (hot and switched hot). I can't think of any situation where a conduit with one conductor would be safe or legal.