Replacing Outlets Without Ground Wires

How to Replace an Electrical Outlet When There is No Ground Wire: If the electrical box is metal then the ground wire should also be attached to the metal box using an approved grounding screw.

Ground Wires and Electrical Outlets
Electrical Question: I am updating my outlets to a different color and I noticed the ground wire was not used but just folded back on the outlet behind the refrigerator.

• I replace the outlet as planned and connected the ground wire.
• Is there any good reason to not use the ground wire, is it common practice
• Do you know why this was done?

This electrical wiring question came from: Larry, a Homeowner from New Albany, IN.
Additional Comments: Thanks for providing great information.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Larry.

How to Replace an Electrical Outlet When There is No Ground Wire

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of outlets that will be replaced.
Precaution: Identify the outlet circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

• The ground wire should always be attached to the outlet and never just folded back into the box.
• If the electrical box is metal then the ground wire should also be attached to the metal box using an approved grounding screw.
• Where electrical wiring does not have a ground wire or a grounded metal box then a two wire outlet must be installed.
• Upgrading electrical wiring in older homes and installing grounded electrical circuit wiring is always recommended and encouraged.

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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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