Yes, Romex needs to be grounded to the box. It is required to be connected with electrical box at the point the cable is introduced into the box. This is because it is a crucial safety measure which protects the wiring connections within the boxes in the event that it is pulled. Here are some bullet points to further explain why this grounding is important:
The importance of grounding non-metallic cable
As a homeowner or electrician, it’s important to understand the significance of grounding non-metallic or NM cable (commonly referred to as Romex) in electrical boxes. Grounding is a critical safety measure that ensures a safe electrical connection is established in your home’s electrical wiring system. Failure to ground Romex cable in an electrical box can lead to electrical shocks, fires, and damage to electrical appliances.
Understanding the purpose of electrical boxes
Electrical boxes are typically made of metal or plastic, and they are used to house and protect electrical wiring connections. Electrical boxes prevent accidental contact with wires, protect wires from damage, and provide a secure mounting surface for switches, outlets, and fixtures. An electrical box also ensures that electrical wiring connections are safe, secure, and meet the local building code requirements.
What is non-metallic cable?
NM cable or Romex is a type of electrical cable that consists of two or more insulated wires wrapped around a central bare or insulated wire. This type of cable is widely used in residential applications because it’s affordable, easy to install and lightweight. It’s important to note that the outer jacket of Romex cable is not grounded, and it’s the responsibility of the electrician or homeowner to ground it through the electrical box.
The potential dangers of not grounding non-metallic cable
Grounding non-metallic cable is not an optional step, it’s a mandatory requirement that ensures safety. Failure to ground Romex cable can lead to dangerous electrical shocks, electrical fires and cause damage to your electrical appliances. When electrical wiring is not grounded, it can generate electrical currents that can travel through metal pipes, grounding rods, or any other metal objects that are in contact with it, leading to significant hazards.
How to properly ground non-metallic cable in an electrical box
Proper grounding of non-metallic or Romex cable is a critical safety measure that should not be taken lightly. Here are some essential steps to consider when grounding NM cable in an electrical box:
- Turn off the electricity to the circuit that you are working on from the main electrical panel.
- Strip the NM cable insulation to expose the ground wire (bare or green insulation).
- Place the NM cable into the electrical box, ensuring it is secured with a clamp.
- Create a pigtail by twisting the ground wire around a grounding screw or laying it over a green grounding clip in the electrical box.
- Connect the other end of the pigtail to the grounding screw on a metal electrical box or the grounding wire in a plastic electrical box.
- Tighten all connections and ensure that there is no exposed wire.
- Turn on the electricity and test the circuit.
Common misconceptions about grounding non-metallic cable
There is a common misconception that if the Romex or non-metallic cable is insulated, it doesn’t require grounding. This assumption is dangerous and wrong. Grounding is required to complete the electrical circuit and protect against electrical shocks, resulting in damage to electrical appliances and fatal electrical fires.
Code requirements for grounding non-metallic cable in an electrical box
National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that all electrical wiring systems, including Romex or non-metallic cables, must be grounded through the electrical box where the cable is introduced into the box. Grounding non-metallic cable is vital to ensure the safety of your electrical connections and protect against potential hazardous situations.
In conclusion, grounding non-metallic or Romex cable is crucial to protect against electrical hazards and maintain the integrity of electrical wiring systems in your home. Understanding the dangers of not grounding Romex cables, how to properly ground them, and adhering to the code requirements will ensure a safe and secure electrical connection in your home. Always consult with an experienced electrician or follow the local building codes to ensure proper grounding of your electrical wiring systems.
