I have been watching this discussion, and being an inspector myself, I tend to agree with George on this one. My first thought is that I would want to see some documentation that by enclosing the relay in the enclosure it would not be in violation of 110.3(B). There may be heat issues here and ventilation and size could be a factor. In regards to using tek screws, they are not approved as an equipment grounding means. The relay base would have to be grounded or bonded per 250.8 and tek screws do not qualify. The fact that washing machines use sheet metal screws does not give any validity to this discussion. Washing machines are listed by a testing laboratory where as the relay in an enclosure is not listed. If you will look at 110.2 it state that equipment required or permitted by this Code shall be acceptable only if approved. Approval lies with the AHJ and the requirements are spelled out in 110.3(A). In lieu of doing their own testing most AHJ’s require listing and labeling. I often put the burden of proof on the contractor and that’s the way I would handle this one. If he could show me documentation where the relay and box are compatible, and he uses a 250.8 method of grounding or bonding, I would then accept it, but otherwise I would not.
Regards,
Tony
