Can I connect this device to the metal box for grounding if there is no ground wire in my current setup?
Asked by Noémie Addy 
5 months ago
Last Updated: June 27, 2024
Does this device need to be connected to a ground wire? If there isn’t one in my box, can I ground it to the metal box instead?
Yes
Yes, as long as the metal box is properly grounded
If there’s no ground, no need to stress about it. Just use a wirenut instead.
‘t assume that connecting it to a metal box automatically means it’s grounded.
How can I make use of the ground wire that is included with the switch?
It needs to be connected to a grounded conductor for the switch or box to be properly grounded. There are workarounds for older homes without a ground, but I’m not familiar with them.
Metal box is connected to a metal pipe leading back to the panel. No romex.
It’s not ideal, but it’s what you have. It doesn’t make much of a difference though, it will function even without being grounded. There is no mechanism to detect its grounding status.
Ground the metal box only if necessary.
For a bathroom fan, you might want to think about getting a timer switch instead. It’s usually more dependable.
I like using this one because it’s a humidity sensor.
Yes, but people use the fan for other reasons as well. Having an auto shutoff feature is convenient. Plus, it doesn’t matter if there’s dust on the ceiling where it gathers.
They might work well. Why not give it a shot? You can always exchange it if needed.
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By the way, do you prefer the fan to be on while you’re showering? Personally, I have a wall-mounted electric heater and turn on the fan after I’m done in the room. It clears the room in just 2 minutes. It really depends on having a good fan. You might want to consider remote-mounted units.
This also has an automatic shut off feature. You can choose between 10, 20, or 40 minutes.
Why would it be an issue for the fan to turn on while showering? Isn’t that usually the desired outcome?
That’s why I’m interested in the sensor. The other people in my household usually forget to switch it on when they shower.
Not me (us). The room gets chilly. I turn on the fan when I’m done and towel off. Then I use an in-wall electric heater to bring the temperature up to around 75 degrees. It’s just personal preference.
I understand and everyone has their own preferences. Personally, I’ve never had good experiences with humidity sensors. They seem to turn on and off randomly when no one is in the shower. However, they always seem to turn on when the shower is actually in use.
That switch is always my go-to.
In my opinion, humidity sensors have a tendency to malfunction due to their nature of operation, and they may not be completely reliable over time… that’s been my experience in the business sector.
You can totally use it without a ground. The description even mentions it.
This only applies if you have BX wire. If you’re dealing with old school ROMEX that doesn’t have a ground wire, there’s no connection between the box and the panel. Your only option is to run a new line.