Where is Ground Clamps [RE-wrenches]

[Jason Fisher]

Wrenches,

I know that NO sheet metal screw is allowed as a grounded method article
250.8 (NEC 2002).
The code article 250.126 (2002 NEC) shows that the screw needs to be green.
I've had inspectors tell me they've failed jobs (not solar) when they found
field colored screws. Usually this would mean that you've pissed them off in
other ways!

This all said, I still think that grounding lay lugs attached with stainless
self-tapping screws to the AL frame of modules (and racks) is much more
effective than not installing a ground wire because you can't get to the
grounding point and you can't attach a #6 wire to it anyway.

Another technique I've used is drilling a small hole where I want the
grounding point, then simply using a traditional self-tapping GREEN
grounding screw to attach a lug. This does not address the issue of drilling
the module frame but so far, I've heard (only verbally) that this is not a
problem from several module suppliers.

Cheers,

Jason Fisher

Aurora Energy
P.O.Box 3315
Annapolis, MD 21403

v/f: 410-268-3684
email: aurora at toad.net

-----Original Message-----
From: Ray Walters [mailto:remotech at taosnm.com]
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2003 10:24 AM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Re: Where is Ground Clamps [RE-wrenches]

Hi All;

I use a 12-24 thread x 7/8" long #4 TEK Screw.  Its not Stainless but
galvanized. I wouldn't think a stainless screw would have the hardness or
strength to be a self-tapper. This TEK screw can self-tap into 1/2" steel
plate. I use it regularly for mounting J boxes and ground lugs to 6"
mounting poles. It's mean and it's NOT a sheet metal screw. Also, you can
run a regular 12-24 machine screw (bolt) into the hole after self-tapping
for those pesky inspectors.
Forgive my ignorance, but where in the code does it say equipment grounding
screws have to be green? There are plenty of UL listed devices that don't
have a green screw. (i.e. Trace Inverters). Maybe little ground symbol
stickers would keep everyone happy?

Ray

At 08:00 AM 5/16/2003 -0400, you wrote:
>Bill,
>
>I think most inspectors would not object to painting the screw heads green.
>Certainly this is not as convenient as a green screw that can be purchased
>that
>color.
>
>An installer could offer the inspector a choice between a stainless steel
>screw
>with a field painted head or a standard 10-32, green grounding screw
installed
>in a pre-drilled, properly tapped hole.
>
>Dick Ratico
>Solarwind Electric
>P.O. Box 402
>Bradford, VT 05033
>
>
>
>--- You wrote:
>I don't have a readily available source for the screws. The ones I used
came
>in the Schott residential kit. I think the specification would be a
>stainless 3/16"x 3/4" fine thread self-tapping screw. Some inspectors
>require green ground screws, but I don't know of a source for green
>stainless screws. Anybody else have a suggestion.
>
>Bill.
>--- end of quote ---
>
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