If your light switch spark box is made of metal its likely that the bare copper ground wire youre looking for is wrapped around the wiring cables sheath and held in place by the clamp holding. Dont rely on metal sheathing or an exposed ground wire.
How To Connect Ground Wires
No ground wire in light box. An additional ground wire may be installed to provide a ground wire to the light fixture location. Ground wires and ungrounded fixtures and boxes. Connecting the ground wire to a metal electrical box will energize the box in the event of a short circuit. They are paid by the device not by the hour. In my area the devices are sometimes installed bu day labors hired by contractors. If the box is not metal and a ground wire is not available in the fixture box then you can still install the key less light fixture.
But check will all local building codes because it may require a rewiring of your home to bring it up to date. You can add a ground wire to your electrical box in the ceiling for an extra measure of safety when replacing a ceiling light. The purpose of the ground wire. Installing light fixtures that have no ground wire is something that can be done by yourself. Never cut the ground wire off. When you have a ground wire and there is no place to attach it then place a wire connector over the end coil up the ground wire and push it back into the electrical junction box.
Since the box is grounded through the conduit which is as good a ground conductor as any you dont even have to terminate the ground wire to the box as long as the z wave switch has a metal yoke that contacts the box although you can get a grounding screw any 10 32 machine screw will do in a pinch screw it into the back of the box there is a hole there tapped for a 10 32 screw just for that job and terminate the z wave switchs ground wire to that if you wish. If youre having trouble locating the ground wire the ground wire is either a bare wire or green. Consider wiring the light yourself to save money on an electrician and gain experience in electrical repairs for your home. If the box is metal and the cover plate is not metal it is optional but best practice is to connect the ground. Disconnect your lighting circuit at the main service panel. In many cases especially in older houses with metal boxes the metal box may be grounded even if you dont have a ground wire.
Going without a ground wire if the light switch has a screw for a bare ground wire but your electrical box doesnt have one youre ok just leaving that screw empty and connecting your other wires to the hot screws. Dont ground to the electrical box. If the box is metal then attach the fixture ground wire to the box. This keeps you safe from potential electric shock. The box could overheat and start a fire or someone could get a shock from touching it. Always turn off the power at the breaker or fuse box before you work on electricity.
Heres how to connect a 2 wire light fixture without ground. Is it common for an installer to put in light switches without attaching the ground wire.
Gallery of No Ground Wire In Light Box
