Occupancy Sensor Switch in Chicago

[lonestarky]

Hi Everyone, I searched a few times and couldn't find the answer I was looking for. I hoped if I asked, the electrical geniuses here would be able to help me out.

My wife and I moved to Chicago IL a while ago, and built a new house. You'll know why the location is critical in a minute.

We moved from KY, land of 3 wire romex. Now I have two wires in my j boxes, and what I would assume is grounded conduit?

The occupancy sensor switch needs a ground to run the low current electronics that control the switch itself.

The 1st switchbox I tried (out master closet) has a yellow and blue wire, and thats it.

I assume I connect the two black wires on the OCC to the yellow and blue, in no particular order, and then run a ground screw to the back of the j box for the ground wires (there is no screw there now, but there is a threaded hole).

Is this right? I suppose I should test hot to the box with a multimeter to confirm the box is in fact the ground, correct?

 

[ambenz]

At switch boxes, it is common to see 2 wires...Yellow and blue are used to carry power but are not for wiring the outlets for common plug-in electrical devices. You'll use yellow mainly as switch legs to fans, structural lights and switched outlets. You'll use blue mainly as a traveler for a three-way or four-way switch. Conduit can be used as a ground.

 

[lonestarky]

Thanks AMBenz, thats exactly what I have. A yellow wire, and a blue wire. My occ switch (lutron Maestro) has 2 black wires. In this case, 1 black to a blue, 1 black to a yellow, and then run a bolt with the green and bare wire from the switch wrapped around it to the back of the box, correct?

 

[ambenz]

Sound like that would work. I have a older home and upgraded my 2 prong outlets with 3 prong, some are CFI's and I didn't have any ground wire so I added a green wire by crimping a spade terminal to the wire and locking it down to the back of the box using a self tapping sheet metal screw.
The GFI outlets work fine.

 

[lonestarky]

Well thanks for the help. I hooked it up and its working. I get nervous 'trying' things to see if they work with electricity. Don't want to burn the house down. I appreciate it ambenz.

 

[wssix99]

Now I have two wires in my j boxes, and what I would assume is grounded conduit?

That is correct. No ground wires needed with properly installed conduit. Just screw to the back of the box and you are golden.