How Do I Correct Ground Wire Electrical Code Violations?

Correcting the Grounding System of Home Electrical Wiring: I have been upgrading some of the fixtures and dimmer switches in my house, When installing ungrounded fixtures and switches where would I ground them? © By: Dave Rongey

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The Ground System of Home Electrical Wiring
Electrical Question #1: I have been upgrading some of the fixtures and dimmer switches in my house.

• It is a recent construction circa 2006. Often times I see that many switches and fixtures throughout my house are not grounded.
• Either the ground wire is not connected to anything or the ground wire has been removed altogether. Is this OK? What problems can arise?
• It has never presented a problem, and everything functions fine.
• Finally, when installing these fixtures and switches where would I ground them? To the junction box?

Thanks for your time and consideration.
Background: Glenn, a Homeowner from Chicago.

Electrical Question #2:

• I am buying a home built in 1958. The inspection came back acceptable but outdated 2 pole wiring with no ground. How do people use common 3 prong devices with a 2 prong wiring system? I have heard about adapters and 2 prong power surges but not sure how reliable these are. How should I upgrade the outlet circuit and add a ground wire?

This electrical wiring question came from in Clarksville, Georgia

Dave’s Reply:
Thank you for your electrical questions.

The Essential Grounding System of a Home

Application: Home Electrical Ground System.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical project is best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electrical Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester
Estimated Time: Depends on personal experience and the number of switches and outlets being replaced.

Correcting an Ungrounded Condition of Home a Electrical System

• When installing home electrical wiring all wiring must include a ground wire, except low voltage wiring where a ground is optional depending on the low voltage system.
• All electrical ground wires must be bonded or spliced together.
• If the junction box is metallic or provides a ground termination then the ground is to be attached there as well.
• If there is a device that is installed in the electrical junction box such as a switch or outlet and the device has a ground screw terminal then a ground wire must be attached to it as well.

With this information I think you’ll agree that the ground wires of your home electrical wiring system are not bonded which in this case cannot provide the protection that a ground system provides. I would have this taken care of.

NOTE: A electrical contractor would know how to take care of this for you and inspect the integrity of the ground system at the main electrical panel which is vitally important above.

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