Electrical Conduit and Ground Wires
|
Methods for Grounding Metallic Electrical Conduits – In some installations there will be bonding devices that will be required for proper bonding. So as long as these measures are in place then this should not have an effect on the performance of the GFCI outlet. |
Metallic Electrical Conduit and Grounding Methods
[ad#block]Electrical Question: Do I need a ground wire even though everything is in conduit?
Could that be the reason a couple of my GFCI outlets keep popping?
This electrical question came from: Chad, a Handyman from Franklin Park, Illinois
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical Wiring Question Chad.
Great Question about grounding metal conduits Chad.
Methods for Grounding Metallic Electrical Conduits
- A ground wire is not needed when solid metallic electrical conduit is being used AND ground wires are attached using approved ground screws, clips or bushings at each device box or enclosure at both ends where the electrical device is installed to the metal raceway conduit.
- In some installations there will be bonding devices that will be required for proper bonding. So as long as these measures are in place then this should not have an effect on the performance of the GFCI outlet.
The Following will assist you with your Electrical Question:
electrical outlet wiring
Wiring Electrical Outlet 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.
electrical wire
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.
For more information about Home Wiring
Home Wiring
Home Wiring
Basic Home Wiring Diagrams with Pictures
This link is helpful as a Handyman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
|
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. |
More articles about Conduit, Electrical Wiring, Grounding and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
« Previous | Next » |
The Importance of Electrical Cover Plates | Is Your Foreign Made Light Fixture Safe? |
Dear Dave:
When I worked in a steel mill for 20 years and wanted to revise some old outlets at home to grounded outlets, since I was a millwright, some of the industrial electricians taught me what was supposed to be an easy fix. They told me to install the new outlet with the 3 prong receptacle for the ground plug, but to add a ground wire from the neutral to ground on the outlet and I won’t have to rerun all the wiring from the box. This seemed like about 100 hours of work saved in addition to money, so I tried it out on one and plugged in a tester you buy at the building supply…
See the full discussion about Home Electrical System Grounding
Hi Daniel,
I must say – I had to smile a little while reading your comment, because I have had several conversations about this very same issue and concern.
I might add that I have discovered countless receptacles during renovations where this method was installed, needless to say the wiring was…..
See the expanded answer to this question at: Home Electrical System
I purchased a home that was built in 1965. The copper wiring is ran through conduit but there was no ground wire. The outlets are two prong.
I want to change all of the outlets to three wire and ground them. Can I ground the new outlets to the conduit? or am I stuck with trying to fish wire through walls?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Robert – Great Question!
When conduit is properly installed and bonded using approved conduit fittings the conduit serves as the ground path back to the panel. In a case such as this, typically a ground wire is attached to the metal junction box using a green grounding screw where a threaded hole is provided, or a hole may be drilled and tapped for the green ground screw. After installing the grounded receptacles, the integrity of the ground path of the conduit and the metal components of the circuit may be tested with a volt meter by placing one test lead onto a metal component and the other test lead onto the hot side of the circuit. The same test should be done with the hot and ground of the receptacle. If you are testing a GFCI outlet then this test will cause the GFCI outlet to trip, and that is a normal reaction.
I hope this helps,
Dave