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Doug Miller

In article , wrote:
On Mon, 11 Dec 2006 01:46:02 GMT, (Doug Miller)
wrote:

Code requires that the screw holding the grounding wire may not be used for
any other purpose. So if the hole you're proposing to use is already in use
for mounting the box, or attaching a cable clamp, then the answer is no.
Otherwise, yes.

This always gets me. Lets say I always mount a box to a stud or joist
with 2 sheet metal screws. So I put in my two mounting sheet metal
type screws, but then add a 3rd sheet metal screw with a small washer
on the end to become the ground. Now this is actually only intended to
be a ground, but it is also going into the wood, thus holding the box
more securely. I didnt need a 3rd screw for holding the box, it just
happens to also go into the stud. I always wondered how the code
would view that????

Code would view that as a violation -- mostly because it's not making secure
contact with the box. There's a *reason* they supply boxes with holes that are
tapped for machine screws, you know...

Generally I always use the green screws made for that purpose, but
sometimes on old work using the sheet metal screw is the only option
without ripping the house apart.

What's stopping you from using a grounding clip? That's Code-compliant.

You really cant tap threads in the box with wood behind it.

Sure you can. I've done it many times. Just drill your pilot hole into the
wood, too. Tap the metal, and you wind up tapping the wood behind it too. So
what?

What's stopping you from using a grounding clip? That's Code-compliant.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.