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    Sirch2's Avatar
    Sirch2 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 24, 2011, 09:11 AM
    Houses built in the 1920's grounding
    Converting two prong to three prong outlets, are the individual boxes usually grounded in the 1920's construction era?
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,490, Reputation: 2853
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    #2

    Jan 24, 2011, 09:14 AM

    Nope... assuming the house has its original wiring. If it does, you should seriously consider having it rewired if only for safety reasons.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jan 24, 2011, 09:36 AM

    I am not saying this to be a smart alec but if you have to ask then it is likely you should hire this job out. To know if a box is grounded is a very, very simple test. Put you test lead on the hot wire and the other lead on the box. I'm with Smoothy and think a total rewire should be considered.
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #4

    Jan 24, 2011, 12:59 PM
    Yep, me too. You may even have Knob and Tube wiring at that date and they didn't usually run ground wires then.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #5

    Jan 24, 2011, 02:32 PM

    Actually it is not that simple checking for ground. You will get a ground reading even if old BX cable was used. Old BX, without the thin aluminum bond strip, cannot be used as an equipment grounding means!
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