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Do you need to ground a switch/receptacle exclusively when the box is grounded?

Do you need to ground a switch/receptacle exclusively when the box is grounded?


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Old 03-07-18, 01:40 PM
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Question Do you need to ground a switch/receptacle exclusively when the box is grounded?

Assuming BX cables are properly grounded and that the box itself is also grounded. Why do you need to use an extra ground wire between a switch/receptacle when the mounting screws via the metal box already provide a path for ground?

For the record, I do always use the ground pigtail with ground screw but I have a feeling it's redundant.
 
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Old 03-07-18, 01:57 PM
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Switches are optional* receptacles aren't unless self grounding. The receptacles need a reliable ground which is not provided by a regular receptacle.

*IIRC switches need a ground wire if the cover plate is metal and it isn't self grounding.
 
 

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