Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Fluorescent Light and no ground wire

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Squire
11-18-07, 06:42 PM
Hi All, I just installed a fluorescent workshop light in my garage. It has a magnetic ballast and two T12 bulbs.

There is no ground wire in the circuit and the directions say that the light should be grounded. The light seems to be working fine, just a little sluggish to come on and sometimes a brief buzz.

The metal electrical box at the switch appears to have a single ground wire attached to it. I presume it goes to the cold water pipe and was grounded for code compliance in the garage.

If the light is not grounded is this a safety issue or more of a performance, ie. starting issue?

Thanks!

racraft
11-18-07, 06:59 PM
It's a safety issue as far as the metal case of the fixture is concerned.

It may or may not be a problem with the working of the unit.

A wire run to a cold water pipe is only legal as a ground in the US if it goes to a certain location on the water pipe.