Q. What Code rule addresses the continuity and attachment of equipment grounding conductors in boxes?
See answer below.
A. Equipment grounding conductors (EGCs) associated with circuit conductors that are spliced or terminated on equipment in a box must be connected in the box or to the box in accordance with Sec. 250.8 and Sec. 250.148(A) through (D) [Sec. 250.148].
Exception: The circuit EGC for an isolated ground receptacle [Sec. 250.146(D)] is not required to be connected to the other EGCs or to the metal box.
(A) Connections and Splices. EGCs must be connected and spliced with a device identified for the purpose in accordance with Sec. 110.14(B).
(B) Continuity of Equipment Grounding Conductors. EGCs must terminate in such a manner that the disconnection or the removal of a receptacle, luminaire, or other device will not interrupt the electrical continuity of the equipment grounding conductor(s) providing an effective ground-fault current path.
(C) Metal Boxes. EGCs for circuit conductors that are spliced or terminated on equipment in a metal box must be spliced together [Sec. 250.148] and have a connection to the metal box in accordance with Sec. 250.8. Author’s Comment: EGCs are not permitted to terminate to a screw that secures a plaster ring or by drywall screws used to secure the box.
(D) Nonmetallic Boxes. EGCs in a nonmetallic outlet box must be arranged such that a connection can be made to any fitting or device in that box requiring connection to an EGC.
These materials are provided to us by Mike Holt Enterprises in Leesburg, Fla. To view Code training materials offered by this company, visit www.mikeholt.com/code.
