How to Ground Outlets and Receptacles
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Here are some Electrical Tip for Home Outlets – Metal receptacle outlet boxes must be grounded, and one method is to pigtail the ground wire so that it is attached to the outlet and the metal outlet box using a Green grounding Screw. © By: Dave Rongey |
Methods for Grounding Receptacle Outlets
Electrical Question: I recently set out to replace the almond 3-prong outlets in our new-to-us-home (built 1971) with white outlets.
- This is partially for cosmetic reasons, and partially because some outlets had been painted over by the previous owners and were unusable.
- As I was replacing the first outlet, I noticed there was no ground wire to connect to the new outlet.
- According to the home inspection report, the wiring is Romex and was marked as being 3-prong and grounded.
- I also picked up an outlet tester which indicated that the wiring was “correct” instead of listing on of the possible faults.
- My understanding is that the metal boxes are likely grounded, and therefore if we pigtail a ground wire from the outlet to the box we’ll be OK. Is this correct?
This electrical wiring question came from: Sonja, a Homeowner from Andover, Massachusetts.
See more about Home Wiring for Massachusetts
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Sonja.
How to Ground Receptacle Outlets
- Sonja, yes you are correct. Metal receptacle outlet boxes must be grounded, and one method is to pigtail the ground wire so that it is attached to the outlet and the metal outlet box using a Green grounding Screw.
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Here are some Electrical Tip for Home Outlets
- Use a Plug In Circuit Analyzer to check to make sure your outlets are grounded and wired correctly.
- Do not paint over outlets or switches.
- Use masking tape to prevent painting.
More about Receptacles and Pig Tail Wiring for Outlets:
I am Trying to Replace 2-Prong Receptacles with a 3-Prong.
When I opened the cover plate I see 2 black wires and 2 whites withing a metal box. Can it still be done with the 3 prong receptacle? Can I just pigtail a wire from the receptacle ground to the box?
I was expecting 1 black and 1 white, so don’t know what it means to have 2 of each.
Please help and give me some guidelines. Thanks.
This home electrical repairs question came from: Norman, from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Norman.
Norman, yes – you can pigtail the black and white wires to wire to a receptacle, however you cannot install a 3-prong grounded outlet if there is no ground wire.
Electrical Code for How Many Wires in Junction Boxes
- 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 Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
- Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance.
- One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.
- Electrical Safety and Voltage Testers
- When working on home electrical wiring, quality voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
For more information about Outlet Wiring
How to Install Electrical Outlets
- Wiring Electrical Outlets
- Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Wiring Electrical Outlets with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
The following may also be helpful for you:
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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.
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