4

I am replacing the light switch in my old home (1981). I can see that all grounds are at the back bundled together. Do I still have to legally connect the ground to the light switches' ground screw?

PS: The light on the ceiling is properly connected to the ground.

Image attached

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
8

Yes. Modern code requires switches to be grounded. If you are not using self grounding switches and metal boxes (and you are not), you need to run a wire from the switch ground screw to the bundle. Attaching to the end of any one of those wire will do.

Supplement: While the electrical police are unlikely to come pounding on your door, there is a reason for code. The ground serves as a safety if the switch gets damaged. It prevents the (rare) chance of you flicking a damaged switch and getting a shock. It's worth the trouble. In general, when you do an upgrade or a fix, you bring the device or system up to code if it is possible and reasonable. In this case it is both.

Improve this answer
9
  • Does the legal requirement apply also for old construction? I've seen many houses that do not even have wiring in the walls that has a ground.
    – Michael
    Oct 21, 2018 at 20:50
  • @Michael -- since there's a ground wire there, you have to connect to it.
    – ThreePhaseEel
    Oct 21, 2018 at 20:58
  • 1
    Will it be okay if I pull the ground from spare romex that I have and loop it around the existing bundle and then to the screw? Normally I would use the plastic screw top to merge wires together but since these are already bundled using a copper compression thingy, I wonder what would be the best way to connect the ground to the screw.
    – Michael
    Oct 21, 2018 at 21:31
  • 2
    Wrapping is not likely to be sufficient. You need a wire nut or a push in connector or a crimp connector to be sure of a real bond. It looks as if the bundle has ends that could be flared a bit to accommodate. Check the electrical connections aisle of your hardware store for one that would fit. It does not need to be insulated.
    – bib
    Oct 21, 2018 at 21:41
  • 1
    Yes, you are totally welcome to unbundle the existing ground pack and use a wire nut on it. Red or green wire nut would be just right. Ideal is a great brand of wire nuts, Gardner Bender is everywhere but is meh.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Oct 21, 2018 at 22:01

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.