Log in

View Full Version : Grounding an ungrounded outlet to a grounded outlet


npresnall
Oct 16, 2011, 08:06 PM
My wife and I just bought a home that has grounded 3-prong outlets in the front of the house but ungrounded 2-pronged outlets in the bedrooms. I'm interested in replacing just one of the 2-pronged outlets with a grounded 3-pronged (in my wife's office). It is on a wall that has a grounded 3-prong on the other side. Is it a simple task to ground the new 3-pronged outlet to the existing outlet on the other side of the wall? If so, how should I do it? Thanks for your help.

ballengerb1
Oct 17, 2011, 08:01 AM
Are your wires in cable or conduit or what? Is that other receptacle on the same circuit as the one you want to change?

donf
Oct 17, 2011, 07:15 PM
There is one and only one way to make this change.

You start at the main service panelboard and replace the entire 2 wire circuit.

There is recognized work-around. Install a GFCI receptacle and then label the receptacle as ungrounded.

Any other method, such as just connecting the receptacle to a cold water pipe, would violate the NEC's regulation that there can one ground source and that is at the main service panelboard.

npresnall
Oct 23, 2011, 09:57 AM
ballengerb1, thanks for your questions. Our wires are cable and both receptacles are on the same circuit.