Grounding Home Electrical Circuits
|
When installing new electrical wire where do I connect the ground wire? How to Install Ground Wires for Home Electrical Circuits, Common Methods for Grounding Home Electrical Circuits, Ground Buss and Ground Bars, Grounding at the Panel, Grounded Circuit Cables. |
Electrical Circuit Grounding
[ad#block]Electrical Question: When installing new electrical wire where do I connect the ground wire?
- I have a panel box in my home that has all BX wiring going into it.
- I want to add another breaker for a plug.
- I ran 12 gauge Romex to the electrical panel.
- When I connect into the panel box I know where the black and white wires go but I am not sure what to do with the bare copper wire.
- I assume that it needs to be connected to the metal Electrical box? Correct?
- All the other BX cable is grounded to the box through the metal jackets that are secured to the metal box
Please advise.
Thanks, Bob.
This electrical wiring question came from: Robert, a Homeowner from Oxford, CT.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Robert.
Connecting Ground Wires for Home Electrical Circuits
Application: Earth Grounding Electric Circuits.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools for Rough-In Wiring, Electric Drill and Auger Bits and Extension Cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the project, the type of construction and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing wiring in the immediate area that may interfere with the installation should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring should be done with a permit and be inspected.
Common Methods for Grounding Home Electrical Circuits
- Ground Buss and Ground Bars
- The ground wire is attached to the ground buss, the grounded terminal strip, or the ground bar which should be bonded to the panel enclosure.
- Grounding at the Panel
- If this panel is the main panel, then it will be noted that the neutral wires and the ground wires are terminated or attached to the same terminal bar.
- If this is a sub panel then the neutrals and ground wires connect separately to their specific terminal strips.
- Grounded Circuit Cables
- The local building department should be contacted to see if Type NM Cable or BX Cable is allowed to be installed in your area, and a permit and inspection is always necessary for work such as this.
- Electrical Panel Caution
- Please note that I advise homeowners and handy workers not to work in electrical panels, but rather hire a licensed qualified electrical contractor for any electrical panel work.
More about Ground Wires and Home Electrical Circuits
Electric panel
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
Circuit breaker
Electrical Wiring Protection using Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring.
When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
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.
Home Wiring
Home Wiring
Basic Home Wiring Diagrams with Pictures
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 Electrical Wiring, Groundng Electrical Circuits and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
« Previous | Next » |
Electrical Wiring Methods- Screw Terminals or Quick Connect | Why a House May Not Have Electrical Power |