ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues green grounding screw

Here is an issue that has been bugging me for some time. It seems like it has become a somewhat acceptible practice to install a stranded wire with a grounding screw. I don't see that as being a very safe practice. Is there anywhere in the code book that prevents this, or is it a listing issue?

Thanks,

Laura

110.14(A). By the way, the screw doesn't have to be green

I don't see anything in 110.14(A) that requires the wire to be solid, so are you saying that it's ok to use stranded wire?

Laura

p.s. I knew adding green to the grounding screw title would grab more attention

Hi Laura. In my opinion, yes it can be stranded, as long as makes a good connection, as required by 110.14(A).

A trick I learned long ago is to twist the stranded wire counter-clockwise, then when the screw is tightened, the wire doesn't spread quite as much. Of course, the best way is to solder the end of the stranded wire, then bend it into an eye, like a solid wire. Or, crimp an eye hook onto the end.

Said I was done BUT!!! here we go again.
one and two family dewellings (Electrical Systems Published by the International Association of Electrical Inspectors.Page 161. 5th Edition. Quote The Requirements for a "Grounding screw that shall be used for No other purpose "Precludes the use of a cable clamp screw for connectiong the Equipment grounding screw for connecting the equipment grounding conductor Goes on to say secured under a cable clamp Never was approved for grounding .The typical box is REQUIRED to be proved with a tapped hole engraved with the marking GRND or GR that is to be used for that purpose!!!Lets not go on now about other boxes ect the subject ist hand was boxes with clamps. I never said screw must be green Just a approved gr. screw. Read it and weep. Thats A.I.E.I. Interperation Guys.Again its in pics for your viewing pleasure.

From a legal perspective, the opinion of the IAEI and the opinion of my 4 year old daughter are one and the same.

Yoopersup, please direct me to the thread (and user name of the person) where somebody said you could use the screw in the clamp to ground a box (while still being used for the clamp). All I can find is people saying that the screw does not need to be green.

The NEC (which is what you must abide by) does not require the screw to be listed for the purpose. Standard 1/4-20, silver colored bolts are "legally" used everyday to attach ground lugs to boxes.

Are you strictly a residential electrician? If you where used to large commercial jobs with heavy gauge wire then the thought of a ground screw needing to be listed would not even cross your mind.

Ryan,
I absolutly loved that answer.
Richard

Ryan_j
I;ll be sure to pass your respect of the IAEI at the next meeting. As most inspectors are Members and there books are accepted world wide. Why do you guys keep going to large J boxes??? we are talking about standard boxes with cable clamps Gzeee !!!
By the way I;ve ran jobs from housse wireing to multi millions From coast to coast Licened in 10 states and as an instructor in 5 , How about you guys????
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