Hello,

I'm making a pendant lamp that I'd like to sell in the US. The entire fixture is metal and I'd also like to use a metal socket, but there is no ground screw terminal on the UL listed socket I found... I have a 3-conductor cord. How can I ground the fixture without having to use an external ground wire?

More specifically:
- are pendant light fixtures required to be grounded in the US?
- are there any UL listed brass sockets that have a ground screw terminal I can use with a 3-conductor cord?
- can I ground it in any other way, legally?
- if I'd use a plastic socket I found with a ground screw terminal, is the fixture safe, since it's entirely in metal? (except for the cord, which is cloth covered, no chain)

I'd really appreciate it if someone could help me out, I've been looking for answers for 2 days now... Thanks so much in advance!

JJ

I can't help you with everything, but if a device can be energized it has to be bonded to ground. UL listing may give you exceptions if you can prove the metal can't be energized, but most likely not. I don't know the whole design of your lamp, but the strain relief probably a threaded tube and nut to attach to the lamp and to support the fixture. I have seen where they have used a ring with a ground wire attached sandwiched between the nut(s) on the threaded tube. I think you know what I mean. The tube is about 1/4" to 3/8" threaded tube that screws into the top of the socket and the bottom of the support for the lamp cover. It may or may not work for you, and you would have to search the internet to find them. Good luck! If you are doing a major product intro, you should get UL approval on your design.

As Studs stated above, you will need to submit your fixture to UL or approved listing organization for an assembly listing. You should research the requirements or standards you will need to adhere to for a successful product submission if you intend to offer this for public sale. Good luck, this is not an easy or inexpensive process....