Code Quiz of Day

Grounding Provisions for General-Use Snap Switches

Jan. 22, 2015

The provisions for general-use snap switches are outlined in Sec. 404.9 of the 2014 NEC.

Snap switches are considered to be part of the effective ground-fault current path when ______.

a) the switch is connected to the intersystem bonding termination
b) the switch is mounted with metal screws to a metal box or a metal cover that’s connected to an equipment grounding conductor
c) an equipment grounding conductor or equipment bonding jumper is connected to the equipment grounding termination of the snap switch
d) b or c

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: d) b or c

The provisions for general-use snap switches are outlined in Sec. 404.9 of the 2014 NEC. As noted in Sections 404.9(B)(1) and (2), "Snap switch shall be considered to be part of an effective ground-fault current path if either of the following conditions is met:
1) The switch is mounted with metal screws to a metal box or metal cover that is connected to an equipment grounding conductor or to a nonmetallic box with integral means for connecting to an equipment grounding conductor.
2) An equipment grounding conductor or equipment bonding jumper is connected to an equipment grounding termination of the snap switch."

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.