Is the Leviton 5643 not self grounding?
#1
05-23-14, 02:17 PM
Is the Leviton 5643 not self grounding?
I purchased a Leviton 5643 combination 3-way switch.
5643-I > Decora<sup>®</sup> Combination Devices > Combination Devices > Electrical Wiring Devices > Products from Leviton Electrical and Electronic Products
It does not have a copper spring on the front. Therefore, do I have to assume that this device is not self grounding? Will it require a ground wire?
5643-I > Decora<sup>®</sup> Combination Devices > Combination Devices > Electrical Wiring Devices > Products from Leviton Electrical and Electronic Products
It does not have a copper spring on the front. Therefore, do I have to assume that this device is not self grounding? Will it require a ground wire?
#2
05-23-14, 03:11 PM
Group Moderator
As an electrician I always run a ground wire to the device.
In the description it says grounding. I don't know exactly what that means though.
In the description it says grounding. I don't know exactly what that means though.
#3
05-23-14, 03:19 PM
Group Moderator
Per NEC, a switch attached to a grounded metal box is considered grounded. Otherwise you will need to attach a ground wire to the switch.
"Grounded/grounding" just means there is a ground screw and a metal yoke.
"Grounded/grounding" just means there is a ground screw and a metal yoke.
#4
05-23-14, 05:28 PM
So, what is the purpose of the copper spring that some switches/devices have when it is not required for self grounding?
#5
05-23-14, 10:59 PM
Member
So, what is the purpose of the copper spring that some switches/devices have when it is not required for self grounding?
#6
05-24-14, 04:54 AM
Code is complicated and sometimes doesn't seem to make sense.
Spring on switch really doesn't do anything for code requirements. For receptacles the spring is required for self-grounding in metal box. For surface mounted metal boxes the spring is not required but you need to either remove one of the insulating washers on the screws or have the receptacle attached to a metal cover.
Spring on switch really doesn't do anything for code requirements. For receptacles the spring is required for self-grounding in metal box. For surface mounted metal boxes the spring is not required but you need to either remove one of the insulating washers on the screws or have the receptacle attached to a metal cover.
#7
05-25-14, 07:02 AM
Thanks.
In most cases it seems the ground happens only through the mounting screw. Most of the time the switch/receptacle is not flush with the metal box as the drywall always seems to stick out a bit.
In most cases it seems the ground happens only through the mounting screw. Most of the time the switch/receptacle is not flush with the metal box as the drywall always seems to stick out a bit.
#8
05-25-14, 07:50 AM
Group Moderator
That is correct. The yoke does not need to be in contact with the metal box to have a grounding path. The screw attached to the box, and in contact with the yoke, is the grounding path. Code allows up to 1/4" gap between the box and the wall finish.
