Where does the ground wire go?

[Toothless]

I'm building a new basking light setup for my enclosure and am in the process of wiring in the new lights. I know how to do the ones with just a hot and neutral wire, but the wire the guys at the store gave me has a ground wire as well and I have no idea where it goes...?
Could someone help me out and let me know where the ground wire goes in the lamp socket?
Thank you in advance.

[wrecker45]

Look for a green screw. If there is none you may not need it.

[Toothless]

Look for a green screw. If there is none you may not need it.

There is no green screw. Just two silver and two copper ones. What do I do with the ground wire then if I don't need it? :)

[JWFugle]

pics would be helpful, and check the light fixture package it may say wheather it needs to be grounded. depends on ac or dc light

[Concept9]

First off, you really do not need a ground for a lamp. If you have a three prong plug you can do one of two things.

1) Simply do not use the third wire (green one).
2) Find a secure place on the fixture to mount the ground wire. You do not have to ground this to the socket, you can simply ground it to the fixture with a screw.

[Toothless]

I'll take some photos in a few hours once the kiddos are asleep and give some more info :). Thank you all so far.

[Toothless]

Here's a photo of the fixture.
The box says to use only copper wire, min 90C supply conductors, and to connect the hot and neutral wires to the proper screws (no mention of ground wires). So if it's not needed, do I just clip it off, or cap it?
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e310/gothicangel_69/DSCF3440_zps536f794c.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/gothicangel_69/media/DSCF3440_zps536f794c.jpg.html)

[wrecker45]

It looks like the pos. goes on a right screw neg on left no ground.

[infernalis]

Clip off the ground wire.

Electrical wiring & Lighting basics & advanced (http://www.varanustalk.com/forum/showthread.php?209-Electrical-wiring-amp-Lighting-basics-amp-advanced)

[Toothless]

Clip off the ground wire.

Electrical wiring & Lighting basics & advanced (http://www.varanustalk.com/forum/showthread.php?209-Electrical-wiring-amp-Lighting-basics-amp-advanced)

Thanks for the link Wayne :)! Guess I'll get started on the wiring tomorrow.

[SSSSnakes]

The ground wire goes on the electrical box that you are attaching the light fixture to. I have an electrical license.

[Toothless]

The ground wire goes on the electrical box that you are attaching the light fixture to. I have an electrical license.
But where would I put it on the fixture itself? I was planning to use plugs on the ends and just plug them into a power bar.

[LarryS]

I am not an electrician, but what SSSSnakes is saying is that the light fixture should be mounted to a junction box. You should never make up an electrical connection without a proper junction box.

If the box is Metal, the ground wire connects to the box.

If I am wrong please correct me SSSSnakes.

[Toothless]

What is the reason for putting it into a junction box? I see many people that wire lamps with just the two wires. Not questioning your advice, just asking for some clarification :). Want to make sure what I do will be safe.

[LarryS]

If a connection were to fail it would generate heat. If the keyless light base is screwed directly to a wood cage ceiling for instance, it could catch fire.

The junction box protects and isolates the electrical connection.

I know a lot of people do screw these light fixtures to the cage ceiling but it is a very unsafe practice.

[infernalis]

The ground wire goes on the electrical box that you are attaching the light fixture to. I have an electrical license.

Then you would already know that plastic boxes are dominating the market for one, If we really want to get super technical here, the fixtures inside a reptile cage should all be outdoor rated.

[Toothless]

If a connection were to fail it would generate heat. If the keyless light base is screwed directly to a wood cage ceiling for instance, it could catch fire.

The junction box protects and isolates the electrical connection.

I know a lot of people do screw these light fixtures to the cage ceiling but it is a very unsafe practice.

Thank you for going into more detail. That does make sense :). So do all three lights go to the same junction box, or each to their own?
I want to do this properly so will have to do a bunch more reading.
As for screwing them into a wooden board, is this ok as long as the wires go to a junction box? If not, then why is it ok to screw one into the wall, but not a wooden board?

[Toothless]

As for the ground wire, there is no where to attach it onto the fixture itself that I can see. I understand one goes to the junction box, but where would the other end go?

[infernalis]

Thank you for going into more detail. That does make sense :). So do all three lights go to the same junction box, or each to their own?
I want to do this properly so will have to do a bunch more reading.
As for screwing them into a wooden board, is this ok as long as the wires go to a junction box? If not, then why is it ok to screw one into the wall, but not a wooden board?

Here is what they mean by junction box.

http://www.varanid.us/enclosures/box.jpg

[infernalis]

As for the ground wire, there is no where to attach it onto the fixture itself that I can see. I understand one goes to the junction box, but where would the other end go?


Connect the the prong labeled "G"

http://www.varanid.us/enclosures/triplug.jpg

[SSSSnakes]

The ground wire is to prevent you or you animal from being electrocuted. If you touch a electrical wire that is hot, you get zapped. If you touch a neutral wire that has been broken, and the electrical current has went threw a load, (like a light), it can electrocute you. The ground wire is a second neutral wire to prevent you from being electrocuted. infernalis is correct in saying that technically, you should be using outdoor fixtures and connection with a ground fault outlet.

The ground wire is a very important safety feature that most people over look.

[infernalis]

Jerry - you seem well educated.

so why are you not advocating GFI circuits?

My cage is wired to a double GFI, The circuit breaker in my distribution panel was replaced with the red GFI model, and I installed a GFI outlet behind the cage.

If you are going to insist on doing it right, why stop half way?

EDIT: my bad... I just saw your post:you should be using outdoor fixtures and connection with a ground fault outlet

[Toothless]

Jerry - you seem well educated.

so why are you not advocating GFI circuits?

My cage is wired to a double GFI, The circuit breaker in my distribution panel was replaced with the red GFI model, and I installed a GFI outlet behind the cage.

If you are going to insist on doing it right, why stop half way?

EDIT: my bad... I just saw your post:you should be using outdoor fixtures and connection with a ground fault outlet

So should I take back the fixtures I currently have and get something else? The guy at the store said they would be ok, but if not I'll return them and get the proper fixtures. Have to go back anyways to get the junction boxes and wire nuts.

So just to clarify- One end of the ground wire goes inside the junction box at the green screw, and the other goes to the prong on the plug correct?

That photo was very helpful :). Now I understand what was meant.

[SSSSnakes]

So just to clarify- One end of the ground wire goes inside the junction box at the green screw, and the other goes to the prong on the plug correct?



That is correct.

[LarryS]

I would have thought that you would NOT want a cage heater on a Residual current device. They have been known to trip for various non life threatening reasons at times.

If your animals health and possible life depends on the heat, wouldn't it be better off on a dedicated circuit?

I would think continuity and reliability would be more important for the animal. A normal snake enclosure would present an unlikely possibility of electrocution unless it is located in an area that is wet or it is required by code in this location.

I'm not disagreeing, just genuinely curious on this. I so agree that you should always go with the plan of highest safety, but in this case it seems like it could actually be a detriment to the animal??

[SSSSnakes]

I would have thought that you would NOT want a cage heater on a Residual current device. They have been known to trip for various non life threatening reasons at times.

If your animals health and possible life depends on the heat, wouldn't it be better off on a dedicated circuit?

I would think continuity and reliability would be more important for the animal. A normal snake enclosure would present an unlikely possibility of electrocution unless it is located in an area that is wet or it is required by code in this location.

I'm not disagreeing, just genuinely curious on this. I so agree that you should always go with the plan of highest safety, but in this case it seems like it could actually be a detriment to the animal??

If you are monitoring your snakes enclosure daily and something happened to trip the heat off, it should not be off long enough for your snake to be effected. Human safety over snake comfort should come first. Also most times it would be a major job to run a dedicated circuit for the enclosure. The wires probably would have to be fished threw the walls. If it was a dedicated circuit you would not notice if it tripped the breaker as fast as if it were a house circuit, because on a house circuit you would notice other things that were off. Also if you are tripping breakers a lot, you need to find out why, I have not tripped a breaker for years in my house.

[LarryS]

Thanks SSSSnakes.

Sounds reasonable to me.

Here in So Florida, loss of a heater wouldn't be much of a concern, I was thinking for some of you northern guys it could be the end if it happened while you were away at work or some such scenario.

We see these devices trip in customer homes on a fairly regular basis, I assume power surge/nearby lighting strikes.

Thanks again

[Toothless]

I just picked up the metal boxes and some plugs. I'll take some photos after I wire in the lights just to make sure everything looks ok :). Hopefully I'll get that done by tonight.

[Toothless]

The ground wire is to prevent you or you animal from being electrocuted. If you touch a electrical wire that is hot, you get zapped. If you touch a neutral wire that has been broken, and the electrical current has went threw a load, (like a light), it can electrocute you. The ground wire is a second neutral wire to prevent you from being electrocuted. infernalis is correct in saying that technically, you should be using outdoor fixtures and connection with a ground fault outlet.

The ground wire is a very important safety feature that most people over look.

Thank you for the information :).

[Toothless]

I just finished wiring one fixture and box, but noticed the opening where the wire comes out of the box is quite sharp. What do I put there to protect the wire from damage? Right now I just wrapped some electrical tape around it to protect it in the meantime.

[SSSSnakes]

I just finished wiring one fixture and box, but noticed the opening where the wire comes out of the box is quite sharp. What do I put there to protect the wire from damage? Right now I just wrapped some electrical tape around it to protect it in the meantime.

A picture would help.

[Toothless]

A picture would help.
I'll snap a picture as soon as I locate my camera :).
I grabbed this photo off google just to show what I am talking about though :).

I tried to modify the photo and put an arrow in there, but it wouldn't let me. What I am referring to is those little round tabs that you punch out where the wires exit the box (on the sides).

I plan to look around on google, but like to get advice from living people as well :P.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e310/gothicangel_69/untitled_zps6c2b1cfd.png (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/gothicangel_69/media/untitled_zps6c2b1cfd.png.html)

[Toothless]

From what I've been reading I need wire clamps where they exit the box? If this is the case, I can pick some up tomorrow morning- have to go back anyways as I didn't buy enough wire.
Hopefully I'll post a few photos later tonight incase something is off and I need to buy more things :).

I plan to post photos on here, as well as get my brother in law's approval before I plug it in (he's an electrician- we don't speak much, but I'm sure he'll give it a quick look over for me and make sure everything's ok).

[SSSSnakes]

From what I've been reading I need wire clamps where they exit the box? If this is the case, I can pick some up tomorrow morning- have to go back anyways as I didn't buy enough wire.
Hopefully I'll post a few photos later tonight incase something is off and I need to buy more things :).

I plan to post photos on here, as well as get my brother in law's approval before I plug it in (he's an electrician- we don't speak much, but I'm sure he'll give it a quick look over for me and make sure everything's ok).

I would use water tight connections because they are smother than the clamp connections.

[Toothless]

I would use water tight connections because they are smother than the clamp connections.

Thank you. I'll pick those up today. Just found my camera- so pictures later today once I get the third light done and add the connections :).

[infernalis]

Nice job on this one.... (from a facebook user)

http://www.varanid.us/enclosures/triolamps.jpg

[Toothless]

This is what I have done so far :).

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e310/gothicangel_69/DSCF3449_zps797d3eb2.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/gothicangel_69/media/DSCF3449_zps797d3eb2.jpg.html)
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e310/gothicangel_69/DSCF3448_zps27ff2cef.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/gothicangel_69/media/DSCF3448_zps27ff2cef.jpg.html)

[SSSSnakes]

Looking good.

[Toothless]

Thanks :). One of the bulbs is a different size- doesn't even work but I just screwed it in there for the photo.

What is the best way to secure the cords to the top side of the board? I don't want them shifting at all so was planning to secure them to the top of the board, then run them through a tube part way up the chain before they exit the enclosure. This should keep any curious monitor claws away from the wires :).

[SSSSnakes]

Thanks :). One of the bulbs is a different size- doesn't even work but I just screwed it in there for the photo.

What is the best way to secure the cords to the top side of the board? I don't want them shifting at all so was planning to secure them to the top of the board, then run them through a tube part way up the chain before they exit the enclosure. This should keep any curious monitor claws away from the wires :).

Use wire clamps, they hold the wires in place. They can be nails or screwed in.

[Toothless]

Use wire clamps, they hold the wires in place. They can be nails or screwed in.

Wonderful! Wire clamps it is then! :)

I'm debating whether I want to box in the lights or leave them as is...He never bothers with the lights, and I think I would feel more comfortable not having anything combustible around the bulbs.


Another quick question (not planning to do this with this one) but is it possible to wire the lights so they all go to one plug or is that too much for the cord/ plug to handle?

[SSSSnakes]

Wonderful! Wire clamps it is then! :)

I'm debating whether I want to box in the lights or leave them as is...He never bothers with the lights, and I think I would feel more comfortable not having anything combustible around the bulbs.


Another quick question (not planning to do this with this one) but is it possible to wire the lights so they all go to one plug or is that too much for the cord/ plug to handle?

That is very possible. Have someone find out the amperage of all the lights to be used and then get the wire and plug suitable for that amperage.

[Toothless]

That is very possible. Have someone find out the amperage of all the lights to be used and then get the wire and plug suitable for that amperage.
I think I may do something like this when I build the next one. Would be pretty nice having a light switch right on the front of the enclosure and be able to turn them all off at once.

[infernalis]

This is what I have done so far :).

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e310/gothicangel_69/DSCF3449_zps797d3eb2.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/gothicangel_69/media/DSCF3449_zps797d3eb2.jpg.html)
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e310/gothicangel_69/DSCF3448_zps27ff2cef.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/gothicangel_69/media/DSCF3448_zps27ff2cef.jpg.html)

excellent.... quality work.

yes you can hook up to 300-500 watts to a single heavy duty plug, anything over 750 watts you may need a heavier plug yet, a typical 15 amp circuit breaker pops at around (just over) 1500 watts of combined draw.

a trio of 75 watt lamps is only pulling down 225 watts.

[SSSSnakes]

Voltage X Amperage = wattage, So Wattage / Voltage = Amperage. A 14 gauge wire handles 15 amps and use a 15 amp plug end and you will be fine. 3 - 150 watt bulbs = 450 watts., so your amp draw would be only 3.75 amps. This would be plugged into at least a 15 amp house breaker, so you should have no problems.

[Toothless]

How much extra work is it to connect them together? I have 14 guage wire and three 15 amp plugs. A little extra work now will make things easier and cut down on the amount of cords going to the wall. This way I would only have a plug for the fluorescent lights, and one for the basking ones.

[SSSSnakes]

How much extra work is it to connect them together? I have 14 guage wire and three 15 amp plugs. A little extra work now will make things easier and cut down on the amount of cords going to the wall. This way I would only have a plug for the fluorescent lights, and one for the basking ones.

It is very easy. Just run all the wires into one of the boxes. Then using wire nuts connect all the neutrals together, all the hots together, and all the grounds together.

[Toothless]

It is very easy. Just run all the wires into one of the boxes. Then using wire nuts connect all the neutrals together, all the hots together, and all the grounds together.

Sounds pretty straightforward :). I think I may just put another box on the top of the board and connect them all in there then just run the one cord up the chain- easier than dinkering around with one of the boxes that is already finished :).

[SSSSnakes]

Sounds pretty straightforward :). I think I may just put another box on the top of the board and connect them all in there then just run the one cord up the chain- easier than dinkering around with one of the boxes that is already finished :).

Sounds like a plan.

[Toothless]

I just realized I'm going to have to completely re-do most of the shelves in the enclosure :(. With the added boxes, the light setup is too big for where I was originally going to put it and there is no where else that has enough space.
At least the shelves are easy to remove- time to start mapping out how to re-do the place. Looks like it'll be sometime next week before I get the lights in there unless I get some major modifications done tomorrow while the kiddos are at the grandparents :).
Should only take me another hour to finish up the lights though.

[Toothless]

Got the lights finished except the cover for the junction box and to put on the plug after its in the enclosure :).
I also already have the shelves removed, so i just have to re-arrange them and screw them back in before hanging the lights.
Hopefully I'll have everything done my this evening and will post some pics :).

[Toothless]

Finally got the lights put in and the shelves fixed :).
Only problem is that one of the sockets doesn't work, so I'll have to run out tomorrow and return it for another one. The other two lights work great.
I now have one cranky monitor (he's been sitting at his old basking site for an hour now, and looks mad that there are no lights there:laugh:). A tasty gerbil shoul help lead him to his new basking site.

I still have a few things to add (a few plants, ladders, and tile for the basking surface), but here are a few photos now that the lights are in.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e310/gothicangel_69/DSCF3461_zpsfb881aec.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/gothicangel_69/media/DSCF3461_zpsfb881aec.jpg.html)
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e310/gothicangel_69/DSCF3463_zps42ec5e68.jpg (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/gothicangel_69/media/DSCF3463_zps42ec5e68.jpg.html)

[SSSSnakes]

Looks like an awesome job.

[Toothless]

Looks like an awesome job.
Thanks :). Wouldn't have been able to do it without all the great help on here.