Hello –
I have wiring in the house that is either 12 3 or 14 3 (depending on the circuit) with a small ground wire in the bundle – Here is the question, I an am opportunity to replace this wire with a current 12 3 with ground, thus upping the ground wire to current standards – Is this a good thing to do? Or is the old small ground ok to use?
Thanks.
Replies
That was only used for a few years ago before it was replaced with cable with full size grounds.
It is grandfathered in and still acceptable without restrictions.
Personally I would not replace it in mass. But would use some discretion.
That would have old insulation and be only 60*C rated, while many new light fixtures need 90*C wire (NM-B).
I would be more incline to replace those parts where the wires are short, insulation of the wire or sheathing so some damage, or feed a fxiture.
Also note that the current code requires the grounds from any and all circuits in a box to be connected together.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Thanks for the reply - Do you happen to know hwy the size was bumped to full size grounds?
Ed
Ditto BillHartmann's remarks.
I see a fair amount of that style cable - I guess the vintage of many of the houses I work in was right to have this type of cable. Original construction circa 1955 +/- a couple of years.
Always metal boxes and the skinny ground wire can be anywhere - clipped to the box edge, wrapped around a switch screw, jammed under a romex connector, etc.
The old boxes do not have a ground screw hole in them - but you can drill and tap one if so inclined - pretty easy going as the steel is always soft.
Jim