![]() ![]() Ungrounded outlets can cause appliances and electrical equipment plugged into them to short out. Typically, something homeowners want to avoid. Without the ground present, any error that occurs with the outlet can allow electricity to travel outside the proper channel (called arcing), sparks, and electrical charges that can travel onto and ignite nearby material, such as carpet, furniture, or curtains. (In this case, the outlets should be GFCI as well.) This is especially important if the outlets are in rooms with running water, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Ungrounded outlets present a very real risk of shock to people who are using electronics and appliances plugged into the ungrounded outlet. ![]() Not only are ungrounded electrical outlets not up to code, but they pose a few other major hazards. ![]() But should you be concerned enough to upgrade the outlets immediately? You bet. So how dangerous are we talking here? Should you stay awake at night worrying about stray electricity coming out from under your bed to get you? No. What are the dangers of an ungrounded outlet? However, thanks to the grounded outlet, this transient charge is sent harmlessly away with no troubles at all. Without the ground wire, electricity would be allowed to travel wherever it could find a conductor (say, nearby drapes or even an unlucky person). When an outlet is grounded, it means that if something goes wrong with that outlet (say, an overload or current runs through the wrong channel), the grounding wire on the appliance would send that charge “to ground” or into the grounding wire. The ground wire (the hole at the bottom) ties into the neutral vertical slot. If the box is embedded too deeply, you can install a box extender ring to bring the box up to code.The two vertical slots represent a “hot” wire and a “neutral” wire. Most electrical codes require that the edge of the receptacle box be recessed no more than 1/4 inch from the finished wall surface.This helps prevent children from getting shocked by inserting a knife, pin, or paper clip into the outlet slots. Identified by a "TR" imprint, these outlets have internal wings or shutters behind the slots, which don't open unless you insert two prongs from a plug at the same time. The electrical code in most jurisdictions now requires tamper-resistant (TR) outlets for new installations.A 20-amp receptacle is identified by the T-shaped slot on the front of the outlet. Make sure to buy a receptacle that is rated at the correct amperage. A circuit powered by a 20-amp circuit breaker calls for 20-amp receptacles, and it is wired with 12-gauge NM cable. A circuit controlled by a 15-amp circuit breaker calls for 14-gauge NM cable and a receptacle rated for 15 amps. Most household outlet circuits are either 15-amp or 20-amp 120-volt circuits. The receptacle, the NM cable, and the linked circuit breaker must all match for amperage ratings.Plastic electrical boxes do not require grounding. One end of this pigtail is connected to a green grounding screw on the metal box, and the other end is joined to the circuit grounding wires and to the receptacle's grounding pigtail. Metal electrical boxes must be connected to the ground system via a grounding pigtail that connects to the circuit ground wires and the receptacle.Grounding pigtails made with green insulated wires are also sold at home centers and hardware stores. A pigtail is a short length of wire that you install between the outlet terminal (or ground screw) and a group of circuit wires. Pigtail wires are easily created by cutting short lengths of scrap NM wire and stripping the ends. If there is more than one cable in the electrical box, use pigtails to connect the receptacle to the circuit wires. Never connect more than one wire to a single terminal.Another common method, called back wiring, uses self-clamping rear terminals. This method is usually avoided by professionals since such connections are notorious for coming loose. The safest way to connect wires is to use the outlet's side screw terminals, a procedure known as side wiring. A wire coming loose from an outlet can create a serious fire or shock hazard. The wire connections must be made carefully to ensure safety and proper operation.Before conducting the test, make sure your tester is working properly by first testing it on an outlet that you know is hot (energized) the tester should light up, indicating it is working. Before touching any wires in an electrical box, always test for power with a non-contact voltage tester to make sure the power is off.The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.
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