Using ground wire for 3 way switch?

amdspitfire · 04-06-2008, 04:14 PM

Is this a big no no?

joed · 04-06-2008, 04:28 PM

If you connect it to anything other than the green ground screw, YES it is a big problem. The ground wire is not supposed to carry current. Plus then what do you use for ground wire? Replace the cable with the proper one.

Speedy Petey · 04-06-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amdspitfire

Is this a big no no?

Sure, you can use a ground wire to ground a 3-way switch. Makes no difference if it is a 3-way or single pole.

Speedy Petey · 04-06-2008, 04:43 PM

A little late for an April Fools joke, isn't it?

Jim Port · 04-06-2008, 07:18 PM

Are you asking about using the ground for a current carrying part of the switch wiring?

chris75 · 04-06-2008, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Port

Are you asking about using the ground for a current carrying part of the switch wiring?

Sure sounds like it...

handyman78 · 04-06-2008, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amdspitfire

Is this a big no no?

It is called a ground wire and is to be used for that alone...

Speedy Petey · 04-06-2008, 10:16 PM

If this guy did not have so many posts I'd swear it was a joke or troll post.
I am really afraid it's not.

amdspitfire · 04-06-2008, 11:26 PM

LOL, I'm trying to put a 2 way switch and need 3 current carrying wires. I guess it's time to try to fish a new wire.

CowboyAndy · 04-07-2008, 06:40 AM

Well, at least he came here to ask and chose not to do it...

220/221 · 04-07-2008, 09:00 PM

This guy thought it was OK.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k1jqEtJZq8

joed · 04-07-2008, 10:26 PM

A lot of news hype inthat story, like the claiming the wire overheated. Overheating had nothing to do with this problem.

CowboyAndy · 04-08-2008, 06:15 AM

So how exactly does a garage door become hot?

RobertS · 04-08-2008, 07:21 AM

It's a good thing the work was done by a qualified electrician. A hack like me that pulls permits, and has everything inspected might not do as good a job.

jerryh3 · 04-08-2008, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joed

A lot of news hype inthat story, like the claiming the wire overheated. Overheating had nothing to do with this problem.

Hype? A kid is dead because some electrician took a shortcut. Maybe the newscasters used the wrong terminology, but it doesn't change the facts of the story.

04-06-2008, 04:14 PM	#1
amdspitfire Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 104	Using ground wire for 3 way switch? Is this a big no no?

04-06-2008, 04:28 PM	#2
joed Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Welland, Ontario Posts: 6,104	Using ground wire for 3 way switch? If you connect it to anything other than the green ground screw, YES it is a big problem. The ground wire is not supposed to carry current. Plus then what do you use for ground wire? Replace the cable with the proper one. Last edited by joed; 04-06-2008 at 07:05 PM.

04-06-2008, 04:43 PM	#4
Speedy Petey Licensed Electrical Cont. Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,202	Using ground wire for 3 way switch? A little late for an April Fools joke, isn't it? __________________ Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

04-06-2008, 07:18 PM	#5
Jim Port Licensed electrician Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,091	Using ground wire for 3 way switch? Are you asking about using the ground for a current carrying part of the switch wiring?

04-06-2008, 10:16 PM	#8
Speedy Petey Licensed Electrical Cont. Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,202	Using ground wire for 3 way switch? If this guy did not have so many posts I'd swear it was a joke or troll post. I am really afraid it's not. __________________ Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

Using ground wire for 3 way switch?