The short answer to this question is yes. The longer answer is that grounding is required for new light switches and recommended for older light switches.
If you live in an old house, some or all of your light switches may not be grounded. You don’t have to upgrade them, but you and your home will be safer if you do.
Quick Takeaways
- Grounding safely directs electrical currents into the earth
- The NEC requires grounding for newly installed light switches
- Grounding is not required but is recommended for older light switches
- Ungrounded light switches may cause electrical shocks or fires
- A licensed electrician can safely check and ground your light switches
What Grounding Means in Electrical Systems
Grounding, also known as earthing, means connecting an electrical system to the ground or the earth. When something is grounded, an electrical current can travel harmlessly into the earth rather than causing damage or injuring someone if there is a power surge or a short circuit.
This can protect you against consequences as mild as a minor shock or as serious as an electrical fire.
When the Electrical Code Requires Light Switches to Be Grounded
The National Electrical Code sets federal standards for electrical systems, and in general, it requires newly installed light switches to be grounded.
You’re not required to ground old ungrounded light switches. However, doing so is a good idea for safety reasons.
How to Tell If Your Light Switch Is Grounded
You can perform a visual inspection that will give you an idea of whether your light switch is grounded. There should be a wire that is either green-coated or bare copper, and it should be connected to a green-and-yellow screw that you’ll find attached to the switch. If your box is metal, the wire will be attached to the box.
However, even the presence of this wire does not confirm with 100% certainty that your light switch is grounded. For that, you need a licensed professional with tools that can confirm that the grounding has been done correctly and is working.
Mister Sparky, Daytona’s on-time electrician, can take care of all of your grounding and electrical needs.
How to Properly Ground a Light Switch
The first step in grounding a light switch is to identify the grounding wire, which is either bare copper or green. The next step is to find the grounding screw. This is green-and-yellow striped, and you’ll usually find it on the top of the switch.
If there is insulation on the wire, you might have to remove that in order to connect it to the grounding screw. The final step is to make sure that an electric current is not flowing through the switch by using a voltage tester.
It is best to have a licensed electrician ground any light switches in your home. They have the tools and experience to ensure that it’s done safely and accurately.
Special Cases: Older Homes, Plastic Boxes, and Smart Switches
If you live in an older home, particularly one built before 1970, your light switches might not have grounding wires. These types of light switches are grandfathered in under the NEC code, so you’re not required to replace them. We recommend that you do have your older light switches grounded for safety reasons.
If your light switch is in a plastic box, the box itself does not need to be grounded because plastic cannot conduct electricity. However, the light switch may still need grounding. Metal boxes, which are more commonly found in commercial rather than residential buildings, do need grounding since the metal can conduct electricity.
You may control smart switches remotely, using your phone or a tablet, and you may have them programmed. However, these switches still need to be grounded as well.
Dangers of an Ungrounded Light Switch
Ungrounded light switches can shock you when you touch them, and those shocks can be severe in some cases. In addition, if there is a power surge or other electrical problem, there could be damage to your electrical system or a fire.
How Electricians Ensure Proper Grounding During Installation
While installing a new light switch, an electrician will attach the green ground wire to the green-and-yellow screw on a plastic box. If the box is metal, the electrician will attach it to the box.
Electricians use voltage testers to confirm that the grounding is working. A voltage tester tells them whether an electrical current is present.
Light Switch Grounding FAQs
Do you always have to ground light switches?
You need to ground newly installed light switches. While it isn’t necessary to ground light switches in older homes, it’s a good idea to do so.
Where do you put the ground wire for a light switch?
With a plastic box, you connect the ground wire to the grounding screw. The ground wire connects to the box itself if it’s metal.
What happens if your light switch isn’t grounded?
You may get an electrical shock from an ungrounded light switch. If there is a power surge or a short circuit, there could be electrical damage or even a fire.
Get Your Light Switches Checked and Properly Grounded Today
Don’t leave your electrical safety to chance. Experienced electricians from Mister Sparky can check your light switches and ground them if necessary.
We can also safely install new light switches. Reach out to Daytona’s on-time electrician today. Don’t put up with any malarky! Call Daytona Mister Sparky to schedule service.