I am trying to install a Lutron Maestro Occupancy Sensor switch in my laundry room. The issue I am running into is quite simple. The installation instructions clearly and without question make it known that the switch will not operate properly if the switch is not grounded. We believe that the wiring in the room was done by the previous home owner and it appears to not be grounded.

The light turns on but that is all it will do. I can't turn it off without tripping the breaker or unhooking wires.

Is there a work around to get the switch operating?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Noj,

Sounds like the only way will be to run a ground to that location.

quote:

Originally posted by Jaybee:
Sounds like the only way will be to run a ground to that location.

What is the easiest way to run a ground to that switch?

easiest and cleanest is to pull a new Romex with ground back to the service panel.

slapdash method would be to run a green wire to the panel, and I'm not sure that's really legal.

if your house was built in the period in which wiring was done using BX armored cable to metal boxes, you might have a ground through the metal of the armored cable. test with a neon light from hot to the box. if so, you can use a ground pigtail with #8 screw to fasten to the box, there are often threaded #8 holes for the purpose in the back of the box.

The quickest way to check the switch would be to tie the ground wire [or screw] together with the white neural. Then check to see if the device works properly.
swschard, I think running a green ground wire separately IS LEGAL, as I seem to remember reading up on that. Could I find that "little known codicil", [thanks Dean Wormer], in a hurry ? Heck no. But running it as you would install say new Romex properly should suffice according to the NEC.
Having said all that one has to wonder what an inspector would say to this. Methinks he would ask, if you take the time to run a green, why not run new Romex, as you post. That would be anyones guess though.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CommonwealthSparky,

Problem solved!

It was as simple as checking the light fixture that the switch wire was pulled from. The person that ran the switch wire didnt bother to hook up the ground. Wired up the grounds and Voila! The switch worked perfectly!

Thanks for all the help!