Considerations for Electrical Upgrade Wiring
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What type of ground wire should I used for outlets? How to Upgrade Home Electrical Wiring and bring the Electrical Systems up to current Electrical Code Standards. |
How to Upgrade Home Electrical Wiring
[ad#block]Electrical Question: What type of ground wire should I use for my outlets?
I am redoing part of my house and found some older NM cable. The cable is 2 x 12 gauge and a much smaller ground wire. I am wondering if it is permissible to use the thinner ground wire to add 3 wire outlets or if a heavier gauge ground wire has to be run.
Thanks,
Eric
This electrical wiring question came from: Eric, who is located in Brighton, New York.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Eric.
Upgrading Home Electrical Wiring
- Improving the electrical wiring of an older home has several benefits including improved reliability and safety, and in most cases it will increase the value of the home if the wiring project has been documented following the correct procedures when working through the local building department or governing jurisdiction.
Remodeling and Electrical Wiring Upgrades
- Installing 3-Wire Outlets
- It is OK to use the existing ground wire for 3 wire outlets, however if you are redoing this part of the home you may consider upgrading the electrical wiring, especially if the walls are open.
- Inquire with your local building department and see what is involved with the extent of your project, and what will be required to be included with the upgrade.
- Then just obtain a permit and have the work inspected.
- When making other improvements in the home it is a great opportunity to make some electrical improvements.
More about Upgrading Electrical Wiring
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Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home
- Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
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Electrical Wire for the Home
- Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
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Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements
- Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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