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View Full Version : How to ground a GFI outlet?


timur
Dec 12, 2007, 09:27 AM
Here in OH, the label on GFI "NOT GROUNDED" is no longer acceptable. There are only Hot and neutral lines in the box. The box is not grounded. What options do I have?
If I have to run a new ground wire to the breaker box that is 60 amp. Is the new wire attached to the neutral bar in the box?
Thanks for the help
Tim

donf
Dec 12, 2007, 09:52 AM
On a three wire service entry, the Neutral will be tied to ground.

Are you referring to a GFCI Breaker or a GFCI receptacle?

timur
Dec 12, 2007, 10:18 AM
This is a GFI outlet in an older house with 60amp service and has only 2 wires.
Thanks for the help
Tim

labman
Dec 12, 2007, 11:13 AM
I think your only choice is to pull a new XX-2 with ground. Your panel should have separate neutral and ground bars, tied together only at the main panel. Any equipment grounds you have should be tied to the ground bar. If you don't have a ground bar, I hope you at least have a couple of tapped holes to fasten one too.

hvac1000
Dec 12, 2007, 11:43 AM
This is a GFI outlet in an older house with 60amp service and has only 2 wires.
Thanks for the help
Tim
So the service you have is only 110 volts? It has to be if it is only 2 wires. You can take the ground tab on the GFI to a grounded water line last time I heard. Usually a water line that is grounded will allow the imbalance to be detected by a GFI. Check with the NEC national Electric code under exceptions.

((If I have to run a new ground wire to the breaker box that is 60 amp. Is the new wire attached to the neutral bar in the box))

Do you have a ground rod on site now? Usually the old 110 systems still required a g-rod. If you have one it should be landed on the neutral bar in the box. Many times the ground rod was taken right off the meter base and located right under the meter base so no ground was visible in the service panel..

tkrussell
Dec 12, 2007, 02:49 PM
Timur, that is an interesting requirement. Just for education purposes, can you show the source of that? I don't doubt you, but that is a very costly requirement to implement. And sometimes not practical. I hope they offer suggestions to comply. I will try to find this info at the state website, if you can direct me I will appreciate the time savings.

A ground rod is not always used, esp with older homes fed by metal city water lines. You may also find a grounding conductor clamped on at the water meter.