On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 12:06:29 -0600, wrote:

On Thu, 20 Jan 2005 08:31:17 -0500,
wrote:

On Wed, 19 Jan 2005 20:48:53 -0600, wrote:

On 19 Jan 2005 05:30:19 -0800, "
wrote:

I have an older home with a mix between romex and pbx wiring. I was
testing the outlets and found that there are 2 that are not grounded,
which are fed with pbx. I found the junction box in the light fixture
that they are connected to was replaced w/ a blue plastic box and there
is nothing that grounds the 4 pbx wires going into it together (source
feed, switch & 2 outlets)

My question is, should I attempt to solder a common ground wire between
each pbx wire, or replace the junction box? I'd rather not replace the
box, but I will if there are no other alternatives.
Are those plastic boxes made to support pbx wiring?


I hate those plastic boxes. Mostly because there is no way to ground
them. On the metal boxes there is a hole on the rear for a green
screw. They never put the holes on these plastic boxes, so I am stuck
with ungrounded boxes, I do not like that at all.

Curious, why the big concern about wanting to ground your boxes?

later,

tom @ www.URLBee.com


Electrical boxes have been grounded ever since safe grounding methods
went into use. Just when we finally had very safe electrical systems,
if the codes are followed, we are now going backwards. The purpose of
grounding electrical boxes is to protect the user from electricution.
Now, with these ungrounded plastic boxes, the user is once again in
danger of electricution from touching the box. Granted, the ground
terminal (green screw) on the outlet is connected to ground, but not
the box itself. I personally refuse to use these plastic boxes. Not
only are they dangerous to people, but are also a fire hazzard, since
they burn if an outlet fire starts, and actually add to the fire.. A
metal box provides some means to stop a fire before the fire gets to
flammable materials, and surely does not ADD to the fire.


I understand your choice in metal boxes over plastic is based on your
experience and option; so, nothing wrong there, but I too was skittish
about plastic boxes till I found they are rated for 2 hours, which
gives time for your evacuation, and extinghishing of it.

So, to weight, I use plastic when I can.

later,

tom @ www.ChopURL.com