Wiring a Receptacle

[John Allingham]

When wiring a receptacle, is the GEC supposed to be connected to the box grounding screw, the receptacle grounding screw, or is it optional.

[Speedy Petey]

First off a GEC is a "grounding electrode conductor". What you are referring to is a EGC, "equiment grounding conductor".

First and foremost, a metallic box must be grounded. This can be achieved several ways; metallic conduit, AC cable sheathing, a EGC to a screw or clip.

Most grounded receptacles require a conductor connection. "Self-grounding" receptacles do not when attached to grounded metallic boxes.

Ungrounded (two prong) receptacles do not require a ground connection in older systems. Older two prong receptacles MAY legally be replaced with new two prong ungrounded ones.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

http://www.nachi.org/forum/showpost....55&postcount=1

http://www.nachi.org/forum/showpost....0&postcount=41

[Mike Parks]

Speedy

"Ungrounded (two prong) " They are grounded.

To the first post IF I understand you and IF this is a metal box, you may "ground" the box and remove the insulators fron the recp. and not have to attach the egc to the recp.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

[Mike Parks]

Good pic Paul

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by Mike Parks

Speedy

"Ungrounded (two prong) " They are grounded.

I'm not sure what this means.


The second part Paul has. The only time you can rely on just the screws with a non-self grounding receptacle is if there is metal to metal contact with certain types of boxes.
Most "new work" situations do not qualify for this exception.

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by jallingham

When wiring a receptacle, is the GEC supposed to be connected to the box grounding screw, the receptacle grounding screw, or is it optional.

In Canada you have to do both .
The ground wire goes to the box and then on to the receptacle in all cases.
This is just one of a few differences between the two countries.
This way the plug is still grounded if it loose from the box.

Roy Cooke sr.

[Raymond N. Newman]

And good practice is to leave the ground wire an inch or two longer in case for what ever reason it gets pulled out so the ground will be the last to go. At least theat's what I have learned.

[John Allingham]

Thanks to all for your help