The house we just rented has no grounded outlets, but rather two prong non-grounded outlets. We have expensive electronics to plug in, so we would like some kind of surge protection. Now we have come up with a couple of options, and I was hoping to run some by you. First of, would simply buying a two to three plug adapter work? I do not think it would really solve the problem since the ground plug is simply going into the center screw which is not connected to anything; therefore, the surge protector would have no way to divert the current away from the electronics. Am I wrong in this assumption? Secondly, how about a ground fault connection interruptor (gfci). They are designed to compare input and output currents and trip the circuit if there is a discrepancy. Would instaling one of these-- mind without a ground cable connceted at all-- and then plugging a surge protector into it provide the required protection for our electronics?
2007-08-20 11:10:26 · 1 answers · asked by budgemano 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
A GFCI will still work with an ungrounded circuit. As you mention it does not rely on the ground, but only looks at the balance between the hot and common legs. To meet code you need to mark the receptacle as "Ungrounded" to warn someone who might plug a device in that relies on the ground wire for safety. They could still get a tingle before the GFCI trips or a shock, especially if they were not grounded and got across the hot and common. They would carry the current and the GFCI would not see a difference.
If you are lucky the wiring was done with romex (flexible metal jacket) and the romex in grounded at the main panel and contacts the metal receptacle box. You can then screw a ground wire pigtail to the box and use that for the ground. Mind you that you run the risk of losing your ground if the romex becomes disconnected somewhere between the receptacle and the main panel.
You could also run a ground wire from the receptacle back to the ground bus in the main panel. This is not "legal" by code standards in the US since all conductors are supposed to be in the same jacket, but it is allowed in other countries and is common in the US on older houses until proper rewiring can be accomplished.
Also not "legal" is the practice of running a ground wire to a metal water pipe. This used to be the norm, but relies on not having any breaks in the pipe, like plastic fittings or plastic water filter housings that are not jumpered around.
You mention protecting electronics, static elctricity that builds up on your skin is normally disipated through the ground connection. Your ungrounded receptacle and surge protector will no be able to dissipate this static charge. Make sure you touch the metal case of your computer before you start typing or definitely before you open the case.
2007-08-20 11:46:20 · answer #1 · answered by Jim B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Grounded Outlet Adapter
2016-11-08 02:12:26 · answer #2 · answered by weary 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the house is not that old, there should be wiring in-place that contains the 'hot', 'neutral', and a 3rd ground wire.
If the 3rd ground wire is present, then it would be possible to change out some of the 2-prong outlets for 3-pronged ones. It would also be possible to install GFCIs.
If you are not comfortable looking for yourself to see if the ground wires are present, then hire an electrician or an electrical handyman (with permission from the landlord) to change out a couple of outlets at strategic places around the house. It won't cost that much to change out a few outlets.
If the house is very old and only has 2-wire systems, then you're s.o.l. -- it will require a major re-wiring and I'm sure your landlord doesn't want to 'mess' with that.
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2007-08-20 11:24:32 · answer #3 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the outlets are grounded then pop in a three prong and be done with it! Hope this helps! Mark
2016-03-19 01:10:39 · answer #4 · answered by Katherine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ideally, you would apply isolation transformers at all receptacles of concern, solidly ground the neutral on the isolated side, and apply GFCI protection with each isolation transformer.
The surge arrester will provide some line-to-line (or line-to-neutral) protection, but without a good ground reference, who knows where exactly Neutral will be with respect to ground.
GFCI receptacles will provide protection against ground faults, but they will not prevent the inadvertent connection of Hot (from the supply) to Neutral of the device. Normally, this should not be a problem, but on some devices it results in an energized frame or case. Not very pleasant, indeed!
2007-08-20 16:06:43 · answer #5 · answered by Steve W 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The GFCI - according to the code books, is exactly the remedy for making an old house with no grounding compliant. You might also consider adding a power backup - you can get one for around $120 that will condition the power during brown outs and provide backup and Surge protection.
2007-08-20 11:30:14 · answer #6 · answered by justwondering 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Thank you for all the answers
2016-08-24 12:55:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋