- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Coaching Changes
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Electricians of the H&G board, advice needed.
Posted on 3/25/22 at 10:23 am
Posted on 3/25/22 at 10:23 am
I have a single outlet that I need to have grounded for the electronic I want to plug into it. About 1/3 of my house is grounded (don't why previous owner did that) and I am not looking to rewire the entire house at this time. Luckily the wiring is copper and not aluminum. I have a couple questions.
1. Can I ground a single outlet or do I have to ground everything that is on the same circuit as the outlet?
2. What is the estimated cost to ground a single outlet? It is an interior wall.
3. Is it cheaper and a better idea to run a dedicated grounded outlet to the location I need since I have the space on my breaker?
1. Can I ground a single outlet or do I have to ground everything that is on the same circuit as the outlet?
2. What is the estimated cost to ground a single outlet? It is an interior wall.
3. Is it cheaper and a better idea to run a dedicated grounded outlet to the location I need since I have the space on my breaker?
Posted on 3/25/22 at 10:45 am to thadcastle
Not an electrician, but did a bunch of electrical on my older house. If I needed protection in a single outlet, I'd install a GFCI. I don't think it's exactly equivalent, but it is often recommended as a way to avoid rewiring in older homes.
Posted on 3/25/22 at 11:17 am to lsujro
quote:
I don't think it's exactly equivalent, but it is often recommended as a way to avoid rewiring in older homes.
Unfortunately the machine installation requires grounded outlet for the warranty and I don't want to be left out to dry if something happens because it is expensive.
Posted on 3/25/22 at 11:23 am to thadcastle
Can you just run a new circuit from your panel to that one outlet?
Posted on 3/25/22 at 11:33 am to LEASTBAY
Does the wiring to the outlet have a ground wire?
If not, you will have to get a ground wire back to the breaker panel. That is the biggest hurdle.
Is the house raised with a crawl space or on a slab? If the wires run the the walls, that make things much more difficult.
1. Can I ground a single outlet or do I have to ground everything that is on the same circuit as the outlet?
I guess you could. I am not sure of the code though.
2. What is the estimated cost to ground a single outlet? It is an interior wall.
There are too many unknowns to answer this.
3. Is it cheaper and a better idea to run a dedicated grounded outlet to the location I need since I have the space on my breaker?
Again, too many unknowns to answer this.
If not, you will have to get a ground wire back to the breaker panel. That is the biggest hurdle.
Is the house raised with a crawl space or on a slab? If the wires run the the walls, that make things much more difficult.
1. Can I ground a single outlet or do I have to ground everything that is on the same circuit as the outlet?
I guess you could. I am not sure of the code though.
2. What is the estimated cost to ground a single outlet? It is an interior wall.
There are too many unknowns to answer this.
3. Is it cheaper and a better idea to run a dedicated grounded outlet to the location I need since I have the space on my breaker?
Again, too many unknowns to answer this.
This post was edited on 3/25/22 at 11:40 am
Posted on 3/25/22 at 12:52 pm to tdme
quote:
. Is it cheaper and a better idea to run a dedicated grounded outlet to the location I need since I have the space on my breaker?
I would do this if you have access and are able to diy.
Posted on 3/25/22 at 2:20 pm to thadcastle
(no message)
This post was edited on 10/26/22 at 12:42 pm
Posted on 3/25/22 at 5:44 pm to lsujro
quote:An ungrounded GFCI provides you zero protection.
If I needed protection in a single outlet, I'd install a GFCI.
ETA: Had a brain fart on this one. My apologies. It does in fact provide protection on an ungrounded circuit. It won't provide a ground pathway that the op was looking for, however.

This post was edited on 3/26/22 at 9:53 am
Posted on 3/25/22 at 5:55 pm to thadcastle
Tell us about your house.
On a slab or elevated?
Is there a ground wire run to the outlet?
Do the outlets have three pronged plugs or two pronged(are they designed to be grounded)?
On a slab or elevated?
Is there a ground wire run to the outlet?
Do the outlets have three pronged plugs or two pronged(are they designed to be grounded)?
Posted on 3/25/22 at 8:48 pm to mdomingue
Even without a ground wire present, GFCI sensors monitor the electrical flow across the positive and neutral prongs and can cut power to the circuit in the event of a ground fault in the circuit to prevent electrical fires and save lives. Many older homes that have 2 prong outlets can be changed to GFCIs .
Posted on 3/27/22 at 4:03 am to mdomingue
quote:
On a slab or elevated?
Slab single story home. Current outlet in the are of interest is 2 prong
Posted on 3/27/22 at 9:29 am to thadcastle
Plastic or metal switch box?
Romex wire or metal sheathed wire?
Romex wire or metal sheathed wire?
Posted on 3/27/22 at 11:22 am to Pookie82
quote:
Even without a ground wire present, GFCI sensors monitor the electrical flow across the positive and neutral prongs and can cut power to the circuit in the event of a ground fault in the circuit to prevent electrical fires and save lives. Many older homes that have 2 prong outlets can be changed to GFCIs .
While you are 100% correct, a GFCI will provide the equivalent safety against shock of a 3 wire grounded circuit, some electronic equipment requires a ground connection for reasons other than safety, and a GFCI will not provide that. Grounding of equipment is sometimes used to reduce electromagnetic radiation that can interfere with other electronic devices, or to protect a electronic device from electromagnetic interference.
Back to top

5







