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ground plug
- Thread starter Gizzy
- Start date
No need to change wiring to get shock protection. Just install a GFCI on each circuit so that all downstream recepts are protected or install GFCI breakers. Change all recepts to 3 prong and be sure in install the mandated stickers indicating the lack of true ground.
pattenp
Well-known member
What is the existing wire type and wiring method?
matt151617
Well-known member
Many times the box itself is grounded. Carefully touch the red probe of a multimeter to the hot (black wire) side of the outlet, and the black probe to the metal box. If it shows 120v, you can swap in a new 3 prong outlet. Just make sure to add a seperate ground wire... they sell pigtails with the screw already attached for this purpose.
Speedy Petey
Well-known member
Not true in all cases. This can be very unsafe.Many times the box itself is grounded. Carefully touch the red probe of a multimeter to the hot (black wire) side of the outlet, and the black probe to the metal box. If it shows 120v, you can swap in a new 3 prong outlet. Just make sure to add a seperate ground wire... they sell pigtails with the screw already attached for this purpose.
If there is older metallic cable without the bond strip he will get a ground reading, but NO proper grounding means exists.
sberry
Banned
The condition of the wire may be a factor, not every device needs a grounded circuit. Sometimes its about as easy to run a new wire for one to the point its needed in remodel. My Dads house, early 60's, just before 3 wire, any additions we run a new wire or modify a couple crucial circuits, laundry, bath, counter tops, lights, switch loops we leave alone as well as many unused 2 wire recepts. Got a lamp in it they never turn on.
As for major appliances I recall they had a combined circuit for range oven, as I recall disconnected it, fed it with the old dryer circuit, it was 240, ran a new 4 wire to the oven and replaced the 3 for a 4 on the dryer. Cost 2 breaker spaces and one cable.
As for major appliances I recall they had a combined circuit for range oven, as I recall disconnected it, fed it with the old dryer circuit, it was 240, ran a new 4 wire to the oven and replaced the 3 for a 4 on the dryer. Cost 2 breaker spaces and one cable.
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
Many times the box itself is grounded. Carefully touch the red probe of a multimeter to the hot (black wire) side of the outlet, and the black probe to the metal box. If it shows 120v, you can swap in a new 3 prong outlet. Just make sure to add a seperate ground wire... they sell pigtails with the screw already attached for this purpose.
In a wood framed house, steel boxes nailed to the studs, and old two wire wo/grd Romex supplying it, you don't have a ground, no matter what your meter might show.
Charles