How To Ground An Outlet With Only 2 Wires

How to Ground a 2-Wire Outlet: A Safety Guide

Meta Description: Learn how to safely ground a 2-wire outlet, a common issue in older homes. This guide explains the process, necessary materials, and crucial safety precautions to ensure electrical safety.

Grounding your electrical outlets is crucial for safety, preventing electric shocks and protecting your appliances. Older homes often have 2-wire outlets lacking a ground wire, posing a significant risk. While it’s impossible to truly "ground" a 2-wire outlet without adding a ground wire, you can significantly improve safety using a grounding pigtail or a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This guide details both methods, emphasizing safety precautions throughout.

Understanding the Risks of Ungrounded Outlets

A grounded outlet provides a safe path for stray electricity to flow to the earth, preventing dangerous voltage buildup. Without a ground wire, if a fault occurs in an appliance, the metal casing can become energized, posing a serious shock hazard. This is especially dangerous with appliances that use water, such as washing machines or dishwashers.

Method 1: Using a Grounding Pigtail (Not Recommended)

This method involves connecting a grounding wire to the metal box of the outlet. However, this is not a recommended solution and should only be considered as a temporary fix before a proper grounding system is installed by a qualified electrician. Improper installation can create more hazards than it solves.

Materials (Not Recommended):

• Grounding pigtail wire (green or bare copper)
• Wire strippers/cutters
• Electrical tape

Steps (Not Recommended):

1. Turn off the power: This is the most crucial step. Turn off the breaker controlling the outlet.
2. Inspect the box: Ensure the electrical box is metallic and securely fastened. A plastic box cannot be grounded with this method.
3. Attach the pigtail: Attach one end of the pigtail to a grounding screw or a bare metal part of the electrical box.
4. Connect to the outlet: Connect the other end of the pigtail to the grounding screw on the outlet.
5. Secure the connection: Use electrical tape to secure all wire connections.
6. Reinstall the outlet and test: Turn the power back on and test the outlet with a non-contact voltage tester.

Method 2: Installing a GFCI Outlet

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet is a much safer and recommended solution. GFCI outlets monitor the current flow and quickly shut off power if they detect an imbalance, protecting against electric shocks even without a ground wire.

Materials:

• GFCI outlet
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Wire strippers/cutters
• Wire connectors

Steps:

1. Turn off the power: Turn off the breaker controlling the outlet.
2. Remove the old outlet: Carefully remove the old 2-wire outlet from the electrical box.
3. Connect the wires: Connect the black wire to the brass screw and the white wire to the silver screw on the GFCI outlet. The ground wire will not be used. Note that some GFCI outlets have additional grounding terminals, but these should be left unconnected for a 2-wire application.
4. Secure the wires: Use wire connectors to ensure secure connections.
5. Install the GFCI outlet: Securely attach the GFCI outlet to the electrical box.
6. Test the outlet: Turn the power back on and test the GFCI outlet by pressing the "test" button. It should trip. Then, press "reset".

Important Considerations:

• Always turn off the power before working with electrical wiring. This prevents serious injury or even death.
• If you are not comfortable working with electricity, call a qualified electrician. Improper wiring can lead to fire hazards and electrical shocks.
• A GFCI outlet is a much safer solution than attempting to ground a 2-wire outlet with a pigtail. It's a quick and relatively inexpensive upgrade that significantly reduces electrical hazards.
• For long-term safety, consider upgrading your entire electrical system to a 3-wire system with proper grounding. This is the most effective way to ensure complete electrical safety in your home.

This article aims to provide information. Always prioritize safety and consult a professional when unsure.