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Can you ground an electrical system on an old two wire system without putting in new wire?
(LIFE SAFETY WARNING! [disclaimer]
Electricity is dangerous!
You can be injured or killed!
Improper installations can cause fire, injury and death!
Should you be doing this yourself?)
- It is not possible, per se, to "ground" an entire old two wire electrical system.
- It is possible, however - and allowed - to provide a ground at an individual receptacle by installing a grounding conductor according to strict limitations.
- Many simple devices are "double insulated" and designed to be used without any protective ground connection. But some are not so you have to be sure of the differences between them.
- It is recommended to install a new grounded circuit for point of use service wherever a protective ground connection is required.
- The best advice anyone should give here is to call a licensed electrician!
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The answers above are correct, you cannot ground a two wire system without running new wires, however, you can make your circuit as safe as a grounded one by using a GFCI. A GFCI does not have to be grounded to operate as it measures the current flow in both legs. It ensures the live current is equal in value (amperage) to the neutral current. In the case that the currents are not balanced, that is when you are in a hazardous situation.
In a grounded circuit, the fault current is supposed to flow to the ground, keeping you safe. The GFCI on the other hand will trip and give you as good if not better protection.
If you wish to use a GFCI receptacle to protect your circuit, you may install it at the first receptacle of your circuit and tie the remainder of the circuit to the load side of the GFCI so that it will protect the whole circuit. This is legal in Canada, I am not familiar with the American laws, but I would think it is acceptable there too. I do advise to hire a qualified electrical contractor, he should know the laws.
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Using a GFCI with no ground to the load connections is compliant with code in the US as well. The receptacles with the floating ground (protected by a GFCI) must be labeled "No Equipment Ground." However, not sure if local inspectors in all states and/or localities will accept this, especially in some big cities - e.g. New York, which have very strict wiring codes, so it's best to check with a local expert.
DO NOT connect the ground to the neutral! Unfortunately I have seen this done and it creates a very dangerous situation.
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL WIRING SAFETY OFFICE BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO CHANGE ANYTHING ON POWER MAINS OUTLETS
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
If you do this work yourself, always turn off the power
at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work
AND
always use an electricians test meter having metal-tipped probes
(not a simple proximity voltage indicator)
to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
What else can I help you with?
What is the difference of earth and insulated return in an electrical system?
An earthing system is a system where circuits are connected by a ground. An insulated return system is how power is transferred to trains.
What is clean earthing system?
A clean earthing system is a circuitry that connects the electric circuit to the ground. This defines the electrical conductors to the Earth's conductive surface.
Why did automakers switch from positive ground electrical systems to negative ground electrical systems?
negative ground systems have always been in use but some chose to use positive grounds as wires were poorly insulated and suffered from corrosion on negative earth systems but positive earth systems did not suffer as badly to corrosion (i heard somewhere Henry ford came up with the positive ground idea cant say for sure) in recent times insulation is greatly improved and with bridge rectifiers instead of contact rectifiers which caused more uneven power flow to the battery most decided to use the same system putting everything on negative ground for simplicity but you will always have one oddball who uses positive ground just for the sake of being different
Electrical grounding resistance how much?
refer the article http://www.msha.gov/S&HINFO/TECHRPT/GROUND/SAFEMEAS.pdf
A regulated dc power supply contains three terminals.positive negative and ground.a positive terminal for positive connection a negative for negative connection What is the use of ground terminal?
Grounding terminals are used to connect the electrical equipment or wiring system to the Earth. It's purpose is to reduce the risk of electrical shock in the event of a fault current. In most homes, the wiring system is permanently grounded to a metal pipe that connects to an underground water-supply system or to a metal rod that has been driven into the ground.
How can I fix open ground with no ground wire in my electrical system?
To fix open ground without a ground wire in your electrical system, you can install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This device can provide protection against electrical shocks even without a ground wire. It is important to consult a licensed electrician for proper installation and safety precautions.
What does an open ground mean and how can it affect the safety of electrical systems?
An open ground in an electrical system means that the grounding wire is not properly connected. This can affect safety because without a proper ground, there is an increased risk of electrical shock or fire hazards.
What color is the ground wire in a house electrical system?
The ground wire in a house electrical system is typically green or bare copper.
What is the purpose of a ground rod in an electrical system?
The purpose of a ground rod in an electrical system is to provide a safe path for excess electrical current to flow into the ground, preventing the risk of electric shock or damage to equipment.
How does a ground rod work to protect against electrical surges and ensure safety in a building's electrical system?
A ground rod works by providing a path for excess electrical current to safely dissipate into the ground, preventing damage from electrical surges and ensuring safety in a building's electrical system.
What are the potential consequences of having a bad ground in an electrical system?
Having a bad ground in an electrical system can lead to electrical malfunctions, equipment damage, and even electrical fires. It can also pose a safety hazard to individuals working with or around the system.
What is an open ground outlet and how does it affect the safety of electrical devices and appliances?
An open ground outlet is an electrical outlet that does not have a proper connection to the ground wire in the electrical system. This can affect the safety of electrical devices and appliances because without a proper ground connection, there is an increased risk of electrical shock or fire. Grounding helps to protect against electrical faults and ensures that excess electricity is safely directed away from the device or appliance.
What does "open ground" mean on an outlet and how does it affect the safety and functionality of the electrical system?
"Open ground" on an outlet means that the electrical circuit is not properly grounded, which can pose a safety hazard. Without a proper ground connection, there is an increased risk of electrical shock or fire. Additionally, devices plugged into outlets with open grounds may not function correctly or could be damaged due to improper electrical flow. It is important to address and fix open ground issues promptly to ensure the safety and functionality of the electrical system.
What is electrical earth leg?
It is the ground line of the system or electrical leg that is going to the earth.
How important is grounding an electrical panel for ensuring the safety and proper functioning of a building's electrical system?
Grounding an electrical panel is crucial for ensuring the safety and proper functioning of a building's electrical system. It helps to prevent electrical shocks, fires, and equipment damage by providing a path for excess electricity to safely dissipate into the ground. Without proper grounding, there is a higher risk of electrical hazards and malfunctions in the system.
What is an open ground and how does it impact the safety of electrical systems?
An open ground in an electrical system occurs when the grounding wire is disconnected or not properly connected. This can lead to a potential safety hazard as the grounding wire is essential for redirecting excess electricity in case of a fault or surge. Without a proper ground, there is an increased risk of electric shock, fires, and damage to electrical devices. It is important to address and fix open grounds promptly to ensure the safety of the electrical system.
What is the proper procedure for bonding neutral to ground in an electrical system?
The proper procedure for bonding neutral to ground in an electrical system is to connect the neutral wire to the ground wire at the main service panel. This ensures that any stray currents are safely directed to the ground, preventing electrical hazards. It is important to follow local electrical codes and regulations when performing this procedure.
