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    npresnall's Avatar
    npresnall Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Oct 16, 2011, 08:06 PM
    Grounding an ungrounded outlet to a grounded outlet
    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's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #2

    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's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #3

    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's Avatar
    npresnall Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #4

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