Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: mark32, Location: Currently in NJ
Asked on: Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 2:08 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:15 am EDT
Question: A very good friend of mine says installing a non self grounding switch in the following manner is ok, I say it is not. There is a metal gem box in a sheetrocked wall, it's recessed the typical amount so the yoke does not contact the box. Again, I don't see this as a compliant install but he's been doing this longer than I have. Also while were at it, another good friend of mine says it's ok to sleeve MC in emt and attach the MC to the emt via a romex to emt "From to". I don't like it but we did it anyway, just like the switch above. Any thoughts?
Non Self Grounding Switch Installation
Your friend is incorrect. Installing a non-self-grounding switch in the manner described is not compliant with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and is dangerous.According to the NEC, a switchbox must be grounded to provide a low-resistance path for fault currents. A metal gem box recessed into a sheetrock wall is not considered grounded unless it is connected to a grounding wire.Without a grounding wire, the switch will not be grounded, and any fault current could flow through the switch and into the user, causing electric shock or electrocution.
MC Sleeved in EMT Using Romex From-To
Your friend is also incorrect. Sleeving MC cable in EMT and attaching it using a Romex from-to is not compliant with the NEC and is also dangerous.According to the NEC, MC cable must be supported and protected from physical damage. It is not acceptable to use EMT as a support or protection for MC cable. Additionally, MC cable must be terminated in a suitable box or fitting. Using a Romex from-to is not an acceptable termination method for MC cable. Flag for review