Most of your home ’s receptacle should be grounded . If they ’re not , get a line four different way to add this safety feature .
If you have an older home , it ’s important to know how to ground an outlet and what a earth conducting wire is used for . Older homes may have outdated electrical systems and constituent that pose danger .
Grounding is an of import pecker to protect against electric jounce and burning . If there ’s a short circuit or overburden , the excess electricity motion from the grounding wire to the earthly concern .
Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
No matter the method acting , the ground circuit must provide an unbroken itinerary to the earthly concern . Ground wires must be unwaveringly connected at all peak . And if conduit or overlay is used as a ground path , connections must be tight . Ifyou’re not sure if your outlets are ground , a receptacle analyzer will recount you .
Here ’s what you need to know about how to ground electric wire and stay safe .
We ’ll show you how to install foundation in outlets , fastness , and switching . These tips will help you decent ground electric wires to help keep your home plate safe .
construction codes have alter over the years and differ from region to area . As a result , grounding methods can deviate widely . You may feel any of several configurations in your rest home .
How to Ground Wires in Metal Boxes
In a system with metal box , the pigtail method is considered the most secure . In this arrangement , both the receptacle and alloy corner are grounded . Ground wire are splice together and attached with a pigtail to the box seat and receptacle . The ground wire egg evince has a hole in its top that makes instal a pigtail easier .
Other method also mould well if put in aright . One such method acting is a earthing cartridge holder that clamp the ground conducting wire to the boxwood . If a house is wire with armoured cablegram or conduit , there often is no reason conducting wire . The cable connector joins the metal sheathing or conduit to the box to provide the track for grounding .
How to Ground Wires in Plastic Boxes
Where charge plate boxes are used , a ground conducting wire typically connect to the receptacle only . Here , where wiring runs through this box to another box , a grounding pigtail connects to the twist .
How to Ground Wires in Fixtures
Many quondam roof fastness are not grounded . late code , however , call for grounding electrical telegram in mend . To do so , link up the habitue ’s earth lead ( usually a strand wire ) to the strap on a metal box or to a ground wire .
How to Ground Wires in Switches
Most older switches are not grounded ; many switches do not even have a ground fuck . However , late codes call for switches to be grounded . Replace an Old replacement with a new one that has a ground screw and touch base it to a ground wire .
Frequently Asked Questions
A flat coat defect circuit interrupter monitors current stream and , to reduce the risk of an electrical shock , shuts off electrical energy if it notices a trouble . employ them in moist locations such as bathrooms , kitchen , and laundry room . A commissioned linesman can install a GFCI . Other options include a portable GFCI , which is typically used outdoors or with electric cock around the star sign .
If it ’s been more than ten years since you ’ve had a licensed linesman evaluate your system , it ’s sentence for another review . Also , keep an oculus out for signs of potential problem , such as circuit circuit breaker that need frequent resetting and switch plates and electrical outlet covers that feel hot to the touch .
“ understand Your dwelling Electrical System . ” Electrical Safety Foundation International .
“ Plug Into Safety . ” Iowa State University Extension and Outreach .
“ What Is a GFCI ? ” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission .
“ May Is National Electrical Safety Month . ” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission .
