No Ground on Wall Switch

[PrByTor]

I have a wall switch that only has 2 wires, however, my existing plug has a ground wire.  When I called tech support, they suggested that I just "Cap it off".  One, the ground is a fully bare copper wire so you can't just cap it off.  Second, I'm not real comfortable not hooking it up without the ground connected.  I either need to return the modules (5 of them) or get a fix.  I prefer a fix.

Thanks,

[Aquadeveloper]

PrBy,

I have seen some houses wired where the power went from the breaker panel to the light, and then to the switch where
the guys running the cable only ran 2 conductor (no ground) between the light and the switch.

I guess the were trying to save $$'s.

You mentioned a light switch, and then you said modules, so I'm a little confused.
Did you mean you have X10 light switches, and are hesitant about no ground wire?

Good luck,

[Saber Dog]

Is the house wiring BX (metal jacket on the cable and a metal box) or Romex (plastic jacket on the cable)?

I'm not an electrician, but I have done some wiring in my house during a remodel using BX. There was a place to screw a short green ground wire from the fixture to the box. If a fixture has a ground on it, I figured it should be grounded. A good "how to" book on wiring would be a good idea. My policy was, when unsure, call a professional.

[HA Dave]

.............   when unsure, call a professional.

We have the same policy.

[Saber Dog]

Good way to keep from being fried or having my remaining hair stand on end. 

[dave w]

I have a wall switch that only has 2 wires, however, my existing plug has a ground wire.  When I called tech support, they suggested that I just "Cap it off".  One, the ground is a fully bare copper wire so you can't just cap it off.  Second, I'm not real comfortable not hooking it up without the ground connected.  I either need to return the modules (5 of them) or get a fix.  I prefer a fix.

Thanks,

What do you mean by "....existing plug" ? You DO NOT want to use a dimming wall switch (two wire model X10 switch is dimmable)  to control an outlet.

Standard wall switches usually do not have a ground lugs. If you are mounting the wall swicth in a metal box, make sure the bare ground wire is attached to the ground lug in the box, when you mount the switch, it will be grounded by phsycal contact with the box.  If you are mounting the switch in a plastic wall box, wrap the ground wire under one of the switch mounting ears.