Self grounding receptacles?
Question:Hello,
I live in a very old house that has 3 prong outlets that are not grounded. These are code because they are using GCFI outlets (I have checked with the local building inspector). My main problem is that I have sensitive expensive equipment that needs to be protected. As such I need to ground the outlets or purchase Mode 1 surge suppressors. My question is whether, I can use self grounding receptacles. It seems as if these receptacles rely on the metal box they are installed in. As such, the metal box would need to be grounded. So, how do I easily ground the metal box? Running the cable back to the breaker is not an option. Or am I stuck with what I have? If so, I will buy the expensive Mode 1 surge protectors.
Thanks
Answers:
Just being metal doesn't make a box grounded. Self-grounding recepts. have to be installed in a grounded box, or they are not grounded either. To ground the box you are going to have to get a ground wire back to the source ground.
'Grounding' back through dirt don't cut it. You have to get the ground back to the panel ground. Too much resistance in the earth to make for a good equipment ground path.
one way to ground the sockets would be to hook a wire to the box that you are using for your sensitive items run the wire outside and connect it to a copper pole driven 6 feet intot he ground.. you need 6 feet minium to establish an earth ground
The metal boxes are probably not grounded, but you can check; a neon circuit tester will do fine. ($2 at your local hardware store.) I had a similar problem, and replaced the cabling. (Required a lot of crawling around under the house.) In your case, especially if re-wiring is impractical, I'd get a UPS of adequate capacity, which will take care of the problem and protect you against power outages as well.
If you need just 1 or 2 outlets that are grounded you might be able to have a electrician add new outlets. If you have access from the basement it CAN be a simple job. Your best bet is to call a electrician have them come over to look at it.
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