Is it OK for ground wire to be exposed?

Exposed Grounding Wires Grounding wires do not have electric current running through them most of the time, and commonly have exposed wires and connections. The grounding wires are safe to touch unless there is an electrical surge that causes electricity to flow through the grounding wire.

Is it necessary to ground a light switch?

Grounding light switches have become commonplace, used as a preventative safety measure. It is perfectly legal to wire a light switch without the inclusion of a ground. Dimmers will require a ground wire but traditional toggle-type switches will not. Omitting a ground wire on any switch is not recommended.

Does a ground wire have to be covered?

Because they are already grounded, ground wires are not bare. All of the wires had to be covered with insulation material in order to prevent them from shorting to ground.

Should ground wire be covered?

It is a good idea to bury an exposed grounding electrode conductor in order to keep it out of harm’s way, but there is nothing in the NEC requiring a certain burial depth for the grounding electrode conductor.

Can I pigtail a ground wire?

Ground wires are spliced together and attached with a pigtail to the box and receptacle. The grounding wire nut shown has a hole in its top that makes installing a pigtail easier. Other methods also work well if installed correctly; one such method is a grounding clip that clamps the ground wire to the box.

What happens if a ground wire touches metal?

If the ground wires touch the metal box the breaker pops and the ground wires spark. The main feed comes out of a ceiling light fixture box. The ceiling box is two wire BX. I’m using NM to feed the junction box.

Can ground wire touch plastic?

Plastic electrical boxes have their pluses and minuses. Because they are plastic, there is no need to attach a ground wire to it. Since it is made of a non-conductive material, switches and outlets cannot short out if they touch the side of the box.

What happens if you don’t connect the ground wire?

If you do not connect the ground wire, the plate again is, obviously, ungrounded. The code in your area may indicate it is not necessary, so not doing so may be legally “valid”, but for complete safety, you should wire it up anyway. BTW: Inspectors do not inspect every outlet, that would take too long.

How do you connect a ground wire to a prewired device?

Some prewired devices have a green wire with a yellow stripe, and this is also a ground wire which needs to be connected to the circuit ground wire. When you have a ground wire and there is no place to attach it then place a wire connector over the end, coil up the ground wire and push it back into the electrical junction box.

Can you cut the ground wire off a light fixture?

IMPORTANT: Never cut the ground wire off. Devices such as a porcelain lamp holder may not have a place to attach a ground wire because the fixture is not made of a metallic material which can conduct electricity. Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.

What do you do with the ground wire in a box?

Ground Wires and Ungrounded Fixtures and Boxes When you have a ground wire and there is no place to attach it then place a wire connector over the end, coil up the ground wire and push it back into the electrical junction box. IMPORTANT: Never cut the ground wire off.