How to Ground Electric Outlets

June 6, 2015 by: Dave Rongey I have outlets that are not grounded, what should I do? How to Ground Outlets and GFI Receptacles.

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

• I recently purchased a four unit apartment building.  The electrical entrances are all brand new which made me think every thing was fine.
• A recent inspection showed that none of my outlets are grounded. Everything is wired with the old black wire.
• Two copper wires (No ground wire). Just to be clear it’s not knob and tube. It’s one wire with Positive and negative inside.
• Each apartment has it’s own entrance with a 100 master breaker. Can I simply change this breaker to a GFCI to bring it up to code or am I looking at rewiring the building.
• The previous owner obviously changed to 3 prong outlets from 2 wire. Can I change some of these back to 2 prong and if so where can you find 2 prong outlets. I’ve no desire to do this work myself.

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

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

• Electrical Outlet Grounding and GFCI Protection
  • Mike, it sounds like the electrical panel was upgraded but the rest of the circuit wiring is original, so you are correct in saying that any 3-wire outlets that were installed where a ground source is not present should be changed to 2-wire outlets.
• Grounding Electrical Outlets
  • The 2-wire outlets should be available from a major hardware store or from a local electrical wholesale distributor.
  • You may install GFCI outlets that have a ground prong in areas such as the kitchen or bathroom ONLY if the receptacle is identified as not being grounded by using the sticker which is included with the GFCI receptacle.
  • The GFCI protection will work the same because it will still sense a fault to ground and trip off.

• Upgrading Electrical Circuit Wiring
  
  • Installing new 3-wire cable whenever possible is always recommended for electrical circuit upgrades, or installing ground wiring that is bonded at the electrical panel is an option as well.
  • All of this work is best installed by a qualified licensed electrician. Always make sure you work through your local building department and obtain the necessary permits and inspections.

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  This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.
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• Electrical Code Directory covering outlets and GFCI electrical grounding.

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, 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 How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

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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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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