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Electrical Wire and Cable


Grounding Electric Outlets


I have outlets that are not grounded, what should I do? How to Ground Outlets and GFI Receptacles.



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Grounding Outlets and Receptacles
Electrical Question: I just discovered that I have outlets that are not grounded, what should I do?

I just want to know all my options before I bring somebody in to look. I don’t want someone to come in and do work that does not need to be done.
Thanks.

This electrical question came from: Mike, a Handyman from Saint John New Brunswick, Canada.

Additional Comments: Awesome website! love it!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Mike.

How to Ground Outlets and Receptacles

ground an electric outlet

Application: Ground Wiring for Electric Outlets.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools a Voltage Tester or Plug-In Circuit Analyzer.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, the extent of the electrical repairs, the number of receptacle outlets that are affected and access to each location.
Precaution: Identify the outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Grounding Outlets and GFI Receptacles

More about Grounding Outlets and Wiring Outlets


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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


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.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This 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 Tester
This 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 Cutter
My 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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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Grounding Electric Outlets”
  1. John Martin says:

    10 years ago I replaced some worn outlets in my daughter’s 1920 house. The wiring was all 2-wire, no ground. I was unable to find 2-hole outlets anywhere, so I installed standard 3-hole outlets, but I filled the ground hole with hot glue so a 3-prong plug could not be inserted. I also installed a few GFCI outlets in locations that were near a sink, since they don’t need a ground to work. A few new grounded outlets were installed later, for dishwasher, computer, etc.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi John,
    Please note that the ungrounded 2-wire outlets are still manufactured and available for future projects where a ground wire has not been installed.