Need to replace an outlet in one of my rooms, it’s old wiring with just 2 wires (no ground). I plan on replacing it with copper wiring, 12/2, with ground wire. A friend of mine suggested pulling it up into the attic, then attaching the ground wire to the cold water pipe to ground it. Anyone have any suggestions on this idea? Comments?
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Replies
DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!
This question comes up fairly often and someone always seems to think the water piping can serve as a ground. Think about it for a minute and imagine something shorting to ground while you're in the tub or shower and turning the faucet.
Unless the "old wires" are in terrible shape just replace the receptacle with a GFCI and use the "no equipment ground" label that should come with it.
First, don't take any more electrical advice from that particular friend... :-) Definitely under the category of "a little knowledge is dangerous".
I'm not an electrician, but one thing I do know is that a home's electrical system is only grounded at one central point - the service entrance.
What room is it in and why are you replacing it and why do you want it grounded?
Those answers will give the best options.
Installing a GFCI and labeling it as not no equipment ground is a legal and safe method for locations needing a GFCI such as kitchen and bathroom.
It is also good for locations where power tools will be used.
However, it should not be used where critical applicances (freezer, refigerator, sump pump) are pluged in because or false tripping. They need a TRUE ground connection that goes back to the main pannel.
Also it should not be used where a surge arrestor or computer is going to be plugged in. They need a true ground for equipment protection.
Most other places in the home (living rooms, bedrooms) don't need grounded or GFCI protected outlets. Just replace it with an ungrounded style.
Don't do that. I once enjoyed a 'charged' shower at an inn. Was not a dangerous level of current, but it certainly was a bit shocking each time my foot grounded on the metal drain cover.
How old is the wiring?
Are we talking knob and tube?
If it is 2 wires in metallic sheathing, you may be able to ground it at the box.
If the wire is BX the casing is the ground. Check it with a meter instead of saying 2 wires is not grounded.
Another 'don't do it' and another item to consider- even if it you add GFI and it is not a shock hazard. Any additional ground path can conduct circulating currents (even though they may not go thru the GFI) and, over time, cause accelerated galvanic corrosion of your copper pipe, especially if there are an non-isolated junctions to galvanized pipe or evn brass faucet fittings.