I just added an outlet to an existing (ungrounded) circuit. The outlet I tapped into had 3 holes but no ground wire. I added an outlet down line using 14/2 w/g and connected the ground wire to the existing outlet, the box is plastic so I guess the ground connection is redundant. I then plugged in my tester and got a reading saying it had an open ground. Is this correct?
Will I always get an open ground reading if I plug a tester into an ungrounded (3 hole) outlet?
Thanks
Replies
Yes, an outlet downstream of an ungrounded outlet will be ungrounded. Adding a 3-prong outlet in this situation is against the rules unless it's GFCI-protected.
And, unless you have only a 15A breaker on this circuit, 14/2 is not kosher either. You'll need #12 for 20A. Easiest solution would be to replace the outlets w/ GFCIs and make sure you have the correct wire. Otherwise, you could run a new ground wire (or all new wire w/g) for the circuit.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
I just added an outlet to an existing (ungrounded) circuit.
Timc -
This is actually not allowed in the NEC. We can't extend ungrounded circuits . The GFI provision the other guys mention is for existing ungrounded outlets only.
Ed
Don't forget that you don't have to replace ALL the outlets (expensive). A single GFI outlet can protect outlets downstream of it.
On the other hand, if the GFI trips, you need to go searching for that upstream outlet to reset it..... Now where'd I put that thang.....
Scott.
Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”