Originally Posted By: jfarsetta
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks for the help, guys…
But here is the question, and it goes to how far we should be reading or interpreting things, as it varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Joe Myers and I started this conversation yesterday, and he was kind enough to help me out, here. You see, I never flagged BX cable armour being used as the grounding conductor prior to reading this thread.
I mentioned it this past Saturday, at a dinner party where two of the guests were experienced electrical contractors. I've known both of these guys for some time now. I dont believe they'd steer me wrong. When I mentioned BX and grounding, they told me I would be wrong to flag its use as a ground.
I went back to this thread, and looked at Dennis pos regarding this subject being beaten to death at IN.com. I searched that entire site, and the onky threads I found regarding BX and grounding, SUPPORTED its use as an acceptable grounding methodology. In fact, even where I call for a separate green ground jumper, I was apparently wrong, as the NEC allows for "Self-grounding" receptacles.
So, this thread has not been expanded to include an example of info from the NEC, from Mike Hot, from two sparkys, from CodeCheck, and finally (now the latest), from my Client of this exening, who happens to be a licensed electrical contractor out of NY City. All sources state the same thing: the armor can be used, its an accepted practice, and the NEC allows it (with aluminum spiral built into the armor, e.g.: the newer BX).
So, Dennis' assertions have me confused. I mean, guys, how far are we supposed to go? To me, some of these interpretations are based more upon personal feelings rather than a matter of practice, practicality, and the written word.
I'm afraid that if I start to read-into the Code requirements or restrictions, I will wind-up with my a$$ in hot water down the line. Several Code inspectors, including building, electrical, and plumbing, have recommended to homeowners to sue the home inspector for overstepping their bounds with regard to code issues, and the fact that innacurate claims as to compliance issues have scared some buyers away from a home, where there was in fact, no violation. It's the truth guys. Its starting to happen in Dutchess County, NY.
I think we need to qualify what we post here. I, for one, appreciate the information and try to apply it wherever practical. In this case, Dennis' advice and assertion is that BX armor is still an unacceptable ground source, when in fact, Jeff has cleared it up for some folks by stating that he may not like it, but it's an accepted practice. There's a difference between lending advice based upon personal experience, rather than stating that something isnt permitted, when in fact it may be. There's a difference...
To all, thanks for the help! To Dennis, thanks for the insight, wisdom, and experience...
All fine and good but what happens to this so called ground through the metal sheathing found in bx and mc if there is no ground at the panel? Is that circuit then grounded? And what happens to the ground at the receptacle if it becomes loose and no longer makes contact with the box? Is the receptacle still grounded then?