switch question

[L5wolvesf]

I'm replacing an old switch, and I believe dead now, that operates some outlets in my garage. The old switch has one black wire and one white wire going to the terminals and no ground wire.

The new single pole switch has a ground (green) terminal. I just want to verify if all I have to do is run a ground wire to the metal box where the 3rd wire from the romex is attached.

Thank you,
L

 

[jpickar]

That will work.

John

 

[Teken]

I'm replacing an old switch, and I believe dead now, that operates some outlets in my garage. The old switch has one black wire and one white wire going to the terminals and no ground wire.

The new single pole switch has a ground (green) terminal. I just want to verify if all I have to do is run a ground wire to the metal box where the 3rd wire from the romex is attached.

Thank you,
L

You need to attach the ground wire to the metal box, and to the green ground screw of the switch, to ensure your safety.

Teken . . .

 

[L5wolvesf]

Is a grounded switch better (safer) than an ungrounded?

Also, it turns out the switch was not the problem. See my post titled "What would cause a GFCI outlet to trip?"

Thank you,
L

 

[matt151617]

If the metal box is installed properly, it will be grounded, and the switch will be grounded when screwed onto the box. So the separate ground wire is redundant.

 

[jbberns]

Grounding the switch to the box is pointless if there is no ground wire going to the panel.

 

[indestrolover]

I has a white wire on the terminal probably because it's a loop circuit

 

[pop pop]

Grounding the switch to the box is pointless if there is no ground wire going to the panel.

Bingo! We have a winner.

 

[L5wolvesf]

I think the box is grounded - a screw into the wall (concrete block) which has the bare (3rd) wire twisted around it.

Thank you,
L

 

[jpickar]

You have it right. Run a wire from the switch to the box and you are OK.

A better way to do it is to take the bare ground from the romex that is screwed to the box and twist two other bare grounds together and wire nut them----Then screw one wire to the box and one to the switch. that way IF your ground to the box is lost you still have it going to the panel.
Assuming that the other end is screwed to the grounded bar in the panel.

John

 

[jbberns]

I think the box is grounded - a screw into the wall (concrete block) which has the bare (3rd) wire twisted around it.

Thank you,
L

Make a splice with the ground wire. One to the switch. One to the box.