maintenanceguy;
about 15 yrs ago the sparky i worked under did'nt ground switches. he got bagged by the AHJ who stated that 'exposed metal' parts had to be grounded. he then ordered plastic plate screws for the job & passed.... [Linked Image] it was the first and last i've seen of plastic plate screws...

i cannot vouch for past cycles here, only present day code, as such....404.9(B) probably applies:

Quote

Grounding.
Snap switches, including dimmer and similar control switches, shall be effectively grounded and shall provide a means to ground metal faceplates, whether or not a metal faceplate is installed. Snap switches shall be considered effectively grounded if either of the following conditions is met.
(1) The switch is mounted with metal screws to a metal box or to a nonmetallic box with integral means for grounding devices.
(2) An equipment grounding conductor or equipment bonding jumper is connected to an equipment grounding termination of the snap switch.

Exception to (B): Where no grounding means exists within the snap-switch enclosure or where the wiring method does not include or provide an equipment ground, a snap switch without a grounding connection shall be permitted for replacement purposes only. A snap switch wired under the provisions of this exception and located within reach of earth, grade conducting floors, or other conducting surfaces shall be provided with a faceplate of nonconducting, noncombustible material.

HB commentary here......

The provisions of 404.9(B) specify that switching devices, including snap switches, dimmers, and similar control devices, must be grounded. Although the non–current-carrying metal parts of these devices are typically not subject to contact by personnel, there is concern about the use of metal faceplates, which do pose a shock hazard if they become energized. Therefore, the grounded switch must provide a means for grounding the metal faceplate.
The requirements in (1) or (2) of 404.9(B) describe the provisions to satisfy the main requirement. Switch plates in existing installations attached to switches in boxes without an equipment grounding conductor must be made of insulating material. See Exhibit 404.1, following the commentary in 404.12, for an example of the typical method by which a metal faceplate is grounded.

Q~do you have a EGC ?? [Linked Image]

[This message has been edited by sparky (edited 10-15-2002).]