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  1. #1
    David Brooks's Avatar
    David Brooks Guest

    Default Can the retaining washer be removed from outlet?

    Hello,
    Are the retaining washers on the screws of a Leviton outlet (or any manufacturer for that matter) necessary for anything besides holding the screw on?
    I can't imagine that it isolates the outlet from the box since the screws are metal and connect the two.

    A related question... if the outlet is screwed to the box, is a ground jumper wire necessary between the outlet and the box?

    I ask mainly so that I can understand how the grounding of an outlet works.

    I appreciate your response and willingness to teach me a bit about this.

    David

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    Last edited by David Brooks; 04-28-2012 at 04:40 PM. Reason: typo
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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
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    Memphis TN.
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    Default Re: Can the retaining washer be removed from outlet?

    Quote Originally Posted by David Brooks View Post
    Hello,
    Are the retaining washers on the screws of a Leviton outlet (or any manufacturer for that matter) necessary for anything besides holding the screw on?
    I can't imagine that it isolates the outlet from the box since the screws are metal and connect the two.

    A related question... if the outlet is screwed to the box, is a ground jumper wire necessary between the outlet and the box?

    I ask mainly so that I can understand how the grounding of an outlet works.

    I appreciate your response and willingness to teach me a bit about this.

    David
    .
    Welcome David,

    Hope the attachment helps.
    .

    Attached Files Attached Files
    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  3. #3
    David Brooks's Avatar
    David Brooks Guest

    Default Re: Can the retaining washer be removed from switch?

    The 'Installation Instructions' says:
    "The Acentiā„¢ Duplex Receptacle uses a multi-function self-grounding clip
    that provides an automatic ground connection in a properly grounded metal
    wall box."

    So, that would imply that grounding wire isn't necessary.
    There isn't any mention of the retaining washer, i.e. whether it is just to hold the screw on before installation, or it has another electrical purpose.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: Can the retaining washer be removed from switch?

    Quote Originally Posted by David Brooks View Post

    There isn't any mention of the retaining washer, i.e. whether it is just to hold the screw on before installation, or it has another electrical purpose.
    .
    No Electrical Purpose.
    .

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  5. #5
    David Brooks's Avatar
    David Brooks Guest

    Default Re: Can the retaining washer be removed from switch?

    Awesome. Thanks for the answer.
    That's that main thing I wanted to know.

    The related question...
    Is a jumper wire needed between the outlet and the box?
    Do the screws provide the necessary grounding?


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
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    4,607

    Default Re: Can the retaining washer be removed from switch?

    Quote Originally Posted by David Brooks View Post
    Awesome. Thanks for the answer.
    That's that main thing I wanted to know.

    The related question...
    Is a jumper wire needed between the outlet and the box?
    Do the screws provide the necessary grounding?
    No, we don't rely on the mounting screws, especially now that most of the boxes are plastic. The bare grounding wire wraps around the grounding screw on the receptacle. If it's a short jumper, it is twisted to the bare wire from the panel and secured with a wire nut (Marr nut).
    If the box is metal, it will also have a grounding screw and one of the bare wires goes around that screw, then to the nut.
    The wires are always wrapped clockwise so they tighten with the screw.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  7. #7
    David Brooks's Avatar
    David Brooks Guest

    Default Re: Can the retaining washer be removed from switch?

    Excellent.
    That's answers it all for me.
    I appreciate it.
    I've wired some outlet boxes and I want to be sure to do it exactly correct,
    but I also always want to know the 'Why' to every 'How'.

    Thanks
    David


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