I need to plug my sump pump in the basement but the only electrical outlet available is a 2 prong that comes out of a lighting fixture.This pump needs a 3 prong outlet to be grounded.If i was to buy that little 2 prong adapter to hook into the lighting fixture,where can i run a ground wire too??I was told i can run a wire to the adapter and clamp it too some copper water lines in the basement.Is this safe??Will it work?Remember running a whole new electrical line for a 3 prong outlet is NOT a possibility.Thanks.
2007-02-21 00:59:03 · 8 answers · asked by lift&shift 101 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
The house that this is going in is probably 50-60 years old.The wiring is old but still good.I'm no electrician but i do not believe that the wiring thats in the house was made for a 3 prong outlet to be installed but (i could be wrong).All the other outlets in the house are 2 prong.The wiring is all original.
2007-02-21 01:22:09 · update #1
Sorry for the above confusion.The wiring in the house i believe was only made for 2 prong outlets.All the other outlets in the house are 2 prong.Like i said the wiring is old but i could be wrong about what is capable to be hooked to, i'm no pro.
2007-02-21 03:58:47 · update #2
Why do i have so many answers saying i can connect the ground to a copper water line and then one really convincing answer saying not too??This is scaring me now!
2007-02-21 05:10:14 · update #3
You can ground the light, but it will not work for the sump pump. If you read the instructions for your pump, you will notice that this is required to be plugged into a GFCI receptacle. This is also a National electrical Code (NEC) requirement.
I would ground the light and tap power from that to install a GFCI receptacle; providing there is constant power in the light box.
To ground the light you need to run a ground wire to the equipment grounding terminal bar within the electrical service box on the outside of your house or in your breaker box. You are also permitted to run a ground wire to any accessible point on the grounding electrode conductor. The grounding electrode conductor in a house is the wire that attaches to either an 8′ ground rod, within 5′ of the water meter or to a concrete encased electrode (ufer ground).
There are other answers here that tell you to connect this to a water line, metal pipe or gas line. This is incorrect and very dangerous.
The finer points of grounding are not easily understood. If done improperly, your breakers will not trip and you could make your water lines, metal pipes or gas lines live. I highly recommend hiring a licensed electrician for this work.
If you need further assistance, please visit:
http://electricalblog.gilchrist-electric.com
Edit: Yahoo! answers is not the best place to get an answer for an electrical question. I have seen a lot of self-proclaimed experts out there offer scary and dangerous answers due to their lack of experience.
You are permitted to ground to your metallic water line. However, it needs to be connected within 5 feet of the water meter only and no other place.
The best place to get an answer to your electrical question is your local building codes department. I also recommend consulting with a local, licensed electrical contractor.
To verify my information please get a copy of the 2005 National Electrical Code and read article 250. Specifically section 250.130(C)
2007-02-21 04:53:16 · answer #1 · answered by gilchristelectric 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sump pumps can be very scary without a ground so you did a good thing to ask for help. Copper or galvanized steel water lines make excellent grounds. You state running a new line isn't a possibility, but your fuse or breaker panel offer another option. These metal boxes are always grounded as are any metal conduit (pipe) or BX (spiral metal wire covering) coming out of them. Buy a good grounding clamp or in a pinch I've used an old vise-grip. RScott
2007-02-21 09:24:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There should be a ground wire in the light fixture box. I would take the fixture out and replace it with an outlet, or use the wire to add an outlet next to the light (if you need to keep the light too). Even if the ceiling is finished, you can add a new box easily.
2007-02-21 09:13:56 · answer #3 · answered by Jake 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some one told you correctly, any copper wire connected from ground on the little thingy and a water, or gas pipe extending into the earth 10' will work. and your wiring probably does not have a ground wire or the first electricians would have used it.
2007-02-21 09:56:58 · answer #4 · answered by T C 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would install a GFI outlet, to replace the two hole outlet that is in place now.
You can "ground" the gfi (ground fault indicator) to a water pipe near by. or some other service line that goes into the earth or is already on a grounded line from another source.
2007-02-21 11:44:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You may be able to loop the ground wire back into the fixture and connect it to the actual ground.
2007-02-21 09:04:07 · answer #6 · answered by Appliance Man 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Grounding on the water line will work. I would solder it to make sure it is a good connection.
2007-02-21 09:03:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
gilchrist is right. You guys focus on one thing and forget to look at the whole picture. Imagine if he takes your advice only to find out that the circuit cannot handle the starting current of the pump?! DUH. CALL AN ELECTRICIAN!
2007-02-21 17:14:36 · answer #8 · answered by billy brite 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋