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US NEC:
The grounded conductor, also known as neutral, is the return path for the circuit, operating in concert with the hot conductor.
It is not to be confused with the protective earth grounding conductor.
Neutral is white. Ground is bare copper or green. Hot is some other color than white, usually black or red.
A grounded conductor is used to limit the potential voltage of the hot conductor with respect to ground to no more than 120V. If the neutral circuit were not grounded, it is possible that hot voltage could rise to the level of the distribution circuit, typically 7.6kV, and that is an instantly lethal value.
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The above answer is correct but could be very confusing to a person who is not trained as a skilled electrician.
The neutral conductor in a circuit can more simply be referred to just as "the neutral" - even though it is grounded back at the main breaker panel - and the protective grounding conductor should be referred to as that or just as "the grounding" conductor.
For more information see the answer to "How does the ground or earth wire of an appliance protect a user if there is a fault with that particular appliance?" and also the other Related Questions shown below.
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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
What else can I help you with?
How do you you change a two wire recepial without a ground to a two wire with a ground?
Shut the power off to the recepticle. Then take apart the old outlet. Wire up the new outlet. The only difference between the old and the new will be the grounding. If BX armour cable is used, then you will need to take a jumper wire from the grounding nut on the outlet and connect it to the box with a grounding screw. This wire must be green. If romex has been used, then there is a gounding wire that is in the bundle of the wires coming into the box. If it a metal box, then you must use a grounding screw and ground that wire to the boc and then connect that same wire to the outlet. If its a plastic box, then just wire the ground to the outlet. I also like to wrap the outlet in electrical tape, just incase the the wires were to come loose, they would note hit against the box shorting out. Finally, put the pieces back together. And your DONE!
Can you change outlet to fit old 3 prong outlet?
An old 2 hole receptacle can be changed to a 3 hole receptacle that will accept a 3 prong plug, provided a ground wire is available at the box and connected to the ground (green) lug on the new receptacle. A 2 hole receptacle has a hot and neutral wire, while a 3 hole receptacle will require a ground wire connection -- in addition to the hot and neutral wires.
Does a plastic outlet box need to be grounded?
yes the device must be grounded per NEC code. if the juncrion box is metal you must also sufficiently ground the box using a ground screw or clip. the ground box should be uninterrupted if the device is removed. (the device screws mounted to the box is not a suitable grounding means.
On a duplex grounding type receptacle what is strap or yoke?
The strap or yoke on a duplex grounding type receptacle is the metal component that connects the two outlets together. It serves as the common connection point for the ground wires in the receptacle to ensure proper grounding.
What do you need and how can you install a ground cable if your 240V outlet doesn't have a ground wire?
You need a 3 conductor wire with ground. For example if you had a 30 amp breaker for that outlet you would need 10awg 3w/ground. That's 10 gauge 3 conductor with ground and replace the old wire back to the panel.
How can I ground a 2-prong outlet?
To ground a 2-prong outlet, you can install a grounding adapter or hire an electrician to upgrade the outlet to a 3-prong one with proper grounding.
How can I ground a two-prong outlet?
To ground a two-prong outlet, you can install a grounding adapter or hire an electrician to upgrade the outlet to a three-prong one with proper grounding.
How can I safely add a ground wire to an outlet?
To safely add a ground wire to an outlet, turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker, remove the outlet cover plate and outlet from the wall, connect the new ground wire to the grounding screw on the outlet, and then securely attach the other end of the ground wire to a metal grounding source, such as a metal outlet box or a grounding rod. Finally, reassemble the outlet and cover plate, and turn the power back on to test the outlet.
How can you determine if an outlet is grounded?
To determine if an outlet is grounded, you can use a multimeter to test for the presence of a ground wire. Alternatively, you can visually inspect the outlet for a third prong or a grounding screw. If the outlet has a third prong or grounding screw, it is likely grounded.
How can I add a ground to an outlet?
To add a ground to an outlet, you will need to connect a grounding wire from the outlet to a grounding source, such as a metal water pipe or a grounding rod. This will help protect against electrical shocks and ensure the outlet is properly grounded for safety. It is important to follow proper electrical wiring procedures and consult a professional if you are unsure.
How can I add ground to an outlet?
To add ground to an outlet, you can install a ground wire that connects to the grounding terminal on the outlet. This wire should be connected to a grounding source, such as a metal water pipe or a grounding rod. It is important to follow electrical safety guidelines and consult a professional if you are unsure about the process.
How can I ground an outlet in an old house?
To ground an outlet in an old house, you can hire a licensed electrician to install a grounding wire that connects the outlet to a grounding rod or the electrical panel. This will help protect against electrical shocks and ensure the outlet is safe to use.
How can I properly ground an outlet to a metal box?
To properly ground an outlet to a metal box, you need to connect the grounding wire from the outlet to the metal box using a grounding screw or clip. This ensures that any excess electricity is safely directed away from the outlet.
How can I add a ground wire to an outlet?
To add a ground wire to an outlet, you will need to connect a new wire from the outlet to the grounding system of your home. This typically involves running a green or bare copper wire from the outlet to a grounding point, such as a grounding rod or the main electrical panel. It is important to follow electrical safety guidelines and consult a professional if you are unsure about the process.
How can I properly ground an outlet?
To properly ground an outlet, you need to connect the grounding wire from the outlet to a grounding rod or the metal casing of your home's electrical system. This helps to prevent electrical shocks and ensures the safe operation of your electrical devices.
How can I add a ground wire to an outlet for improved safety and functionality?
To add a ground wire to an outlet for improved safety and functionality, you will need to connect a new ground wire from the outlet to the grounding system of your electrical panel. This can involve running a new wire through the walls and connecting it to the grounding terminal on the outlet and the grounding bar in the electrical panel. It is important to follow proper electrical safety procedures and consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure about the process.
How can I safely connect a ground outlet to a metal box?
To safely connect a ground outlet to a metal box, you can use a grounding screw or clip to attach the ground wire from the outlet to the metal box. This will help prevent electrical shocks and ensure proper grounding for the outlet. Make sure to turn off the power before working on the outlet and follow all safety guidelines.
