The electrician ran 14/3 to a metal box. There is no grounding post on the Kiddie i12010s smoke detector. Can I just cap the ground and call it done? Doesn’t seem right but I’m not sure how to proceed.
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What does that red wire connect to on the other side of the 14/3 cable?– Paul BelangerSep 2, 2020 at 21:45
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3It is a travel wire between units so they all alarm when one does. It’s not connected to the panel.– mreff555Sep 2, 2020 at 21:52
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1 Answer
That looks like a plastic box to me. If it is metal, code requires that the box be grounded. If all the external parts of the smoke detector are plastic then a ground is not required (the same is true with light fixtures).
I don’t usually cap bare grounds. I just tuck them in the box (the entire length is conductive, so I don’t see the point). If it makes you feel better, put a cap on it and tuck it in the box.
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1Defiantly plastic. It is blue (where not painted) and has drywall spacing nubs (left side of photo).– hildredSep 3, 2020 at 0:18
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Ok you said metal in the question so I was not sure. But I would just tuck it in the box.– Ed BealSep 3, 2020 at 0:32
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1I guess the point of capping a ground wire could be so it won't find its way into a small hole (e.g. a backstab?) Sep 3, 2020 at 10:41
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I do this professionally and do not use them in 45+ years I have not had a issue. Most electricians do the same it is rare to see a nut on a unused ground. But as I mentioned if it makes you feel better do it.– Ed BealSep 3, 2020 at 13:13
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1No it is not required the only time I do anything with unused connectors is usually tape a spare set in the panel to keep them together. A un used red wire in a math room fixture I usually will tape or nut at both ends but that is more a courtesy than a requirement.– Ed BealSep 3, 2020 at 20:52