While changing a light fixture I noticed that the box was connected with a MC/AC metal whip (not sure of the correct term, I have all emt system). I followed it back to a junction box 5' away (the whip is 5') In that junction box I notice they didn't use an anti-short bushing. There is also not a ground conductor ran between the two boxes (ie length greater than 3' needs separate ground.)

In order to pull a ground and add the bushing I would need to disasmble that junction box which contains wires from 3 different circuits. The ground would likely not pull thru the 3/8 whips with ease either. I would likely be opening up a can of worms.

I tested and the boxes appear grounded and I have the whip supported so I am not sure if I should be concerned about the lack of bushing either.

Is this something that I should be correcting? Would you open this can of worms?

 

MC cable does not require an anti short bushing to be installed. Some MC cable does not have an insulated ground wire, however this is newer type of MC cable called MCAP.

This whip might not be MC/AC cable at all. Many fixture whips are made up of 3/8" flexible metal conduit. FMC less than 6' long and 20 amps or less does not require a ground.

You should confirm what you have before opening the worms.

 

Hey TOlyn- Its likely flexible metal conduit... no preinstalled conductors. Its about 5' in length on a 15A circuit so I am good to go without the separate ground. Its the redhead that I am missing.

 

Redheads are not used on FMC.

 

The redhead isn't required, strictly optional.

 

are you sure it isn't 3' for the separate ground conductor?

 

Yes. See 350.118(5) (2011)

 

If the flex is that small it is probably a cable and not flex conduit.

 

Thanks for the code reference Tolyn.