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I have an older home (build in the 1920s) with mostly knob and tube wiring. I would like to convert the old two prong outlets to three prong outlets. I understand that in newer wiring, the copper ground wire and the neutral wire are attached to the same location in the electrical panel. Is it safe to attach a wire to the ground screw on the new outlet with a wire that is branched off of the neutral wire?
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No. Don't do it. Check the achives; this has been discussed in detail. Either let sleeping dogs lie or rewire with modern methods.
Bill
*Cliff no that is something you dont want to do. Electicity is the one thing in your home if you are unsure of you should definately contact a professional.
*Electrical code refers to the neutral as the grounded conductor and the ground as the grounding conductor. The ground is fori grounding out the circuit if thei grounded neutral fails. By code, these wires are kept separate until they get to the panel so that you aren't electrocuted if the neutral becomes ungrounded.Knob and tube is a hassle, but an electrician should be able to give you something that works.
*The only legal alternative in Canada is to run a seperate single conductor back to ground on each device.If it's just the look of decora plugs you are after you can plug off the ground hole of the plug with silicone, but I don't recomend it. Looks like a rewire is your best and safest way.
*Re:Replacing 2-prong receptacles with 3-prong. An approach to consider is replace the old outlets with GFCI receptacles- assuming that there's room in the old box. While you won't have a ground, the GFCI will provide you with additional protection. Incidentally: your old house probably does not have adequate service for today's needs. I strongly reccomend that you consult a licensed electrician. Sooner or later, you're going to need one!
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I have an older home (build in the 1920s) with mostly knob and tube wiring. I would like to convert the old two prong outlets to three prong outlets. I understand that in newer wiring, the copper ground wire and the neutral wire are attached to the same location in the electrical panel. Is it safe to attach a wire to the ground screw on the new outlet with a wire that is branched off of the neutral wire?