Need Help! Electricity issue with cabinet :(

[AllInADaysWork]

Hey,

Im constructing a cabinet and I have obtained all the materials I need. However, I have an issue with the lightning that I have purchased. I bought 14-2 gauge wire and 4 light sockets. Among this, I ought 4 of those metal containers that are supposedly used to ground the line. My question is, do i need those metal cases along with my sockets? Is a ground needed for 4 27 w flourscent bulbs? Could I just put the sockets on the wood and not have to worry about fires and such?

My plant has grown a bit and if I put the metal case in their, it wont have much to grow as opposed to removing it, making life easier. here are some generic pics of my shit Im talking about. Any help is appreciated.

AllInADaysWork Reviewed by AllInADaysWork on 08-24-2006. Need Help! Electricity issue with cabinet :( Hey, Im constructing a cabinet and I have obtained all the materials I need. However, I have an issue with the lightning that I have purchased. I bought 14-2 gauge wire and 4 light sockets. Among this, I ought 4 of those metal containers that are supposedly used to ground the line. My question is, do i need those metal cases along with my sockets? Is a ground needed for 4 27 w flourscent bulbs? Could I just put the sockets on the wood and not have to worry about fires and such? My Rating: 5

[AllInADaysWork]

OH...and if groundings required could i just put it on a screw as opposed to the metal case?

[SpiritLevel]

You ought to Earth your setup where possible especially if your product comes with Earth points, it means that the designers think that it is necessary to Earth/or Electrical Regulations demand this. If you can't Earth then ensure you install adequate circuit breakers. It is an issue of personal safety as to why products have an Earth. If you remove this safety element then you increase the potential of having something go wrong that could cause personal injury.

What are your lights? Florecent spirals? They can be used without Earth. This is identifiable by stripping an ordinary desk lamp. There is not 1 Earth connection on any lamps around my house, just live and neutral. If you are using a metal construction then put an Earth strap on it for safety if you removing an Earth connection from elsewhere. Personally I wouldn't bother but I've worked with electrical devices and elecronics for some years now so I ofen made decissions without conciously debating it in my head. *Shruggs*

[AllInADaysWork]

Yup, I live in an apartment and have access to that sort of panel with switches. Hopefully thats the circuit breaker box. So really theres nothin to worry about wiring up my spirals with only 2 wires. BTW my box is made of wood.

Another issue is that I have to mount it to the wall and the contacts will be touching the paint. Im not sure if 120v is going through the wiring and if it poses a risk by contacting the paint.


Thanks for the help so far

[SpiritLevel]

wood is an insulator as you probly know already. providing your contacts do not touch a metalic surface you should not have a electrical short. The circuit breaker i speak of is not the main one to your building, i refer to the things that you plug an appliance into then plug it into the wall... All should be cool.. post some pics if you can, it would provide a better idea of the system you are creating then more people might pass comment

[AllInADaysWork]

oh i got one of those bars

Ill get some pics asap