Alexei Volkov
Grounding an outlet in a plastic box is a potentially dangerous task that should be approached with caution. Before attempting to ground an outlet, it is important to check if your local building codes require a licensed electrician to perform the task. If you are allowed to proceed with the task yourself, you must first turn off the power at the main electrical box and test the outlet to ensure it is not receiving power. You can then remove the cover plate and receptacle, and identify the grounding wire. The next step is to run a ground wire from the outlet to the breaker box in your home's electrical panel, ensuring that the wire is firmly connected at all points. Finally, you can secure the receptacle by wrapping it with electrical tape and pushing it back into the box.
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What You'll Learn
Check if the outlet is grounded
Checking if an outlet is grounded can be done in several ways. One of the simplest tools you can use is a neon circuit tester, which can be purchased for a few dollars. This tool can help you check the wiring on two-prong and three-prong outlets. Alternatively, you can use a multimeter to test the outlet for grounding. Before you begin, ensure you turn off the power for safety.
To test an outlet with a multimeter, start by setting the multimeter to the highest AC voltage range. Then, insert the two test probes into the hot and neutral slots of the outlet. Next, pull out the black probe and move it into the third outlet hole. A properly grounded outlet will display the same measurement on the multimeter. If the value changes, the outlet is improperly grounded or has reversed wiring.
You can also perform a polarity test using a multimeter or voltage detector. Insert one probe into the large slot and the other against the screw (after scraping off any paint to ensure good contact). If the voltage detector lights up, this indicates that the hot and neutral wires are reversed, and further inspection is needed.
Another method is to use a 3-prong GFCI outlet tester, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Plug the tester into all the outlets on each receptacle. If the outlet is grounded correctly, you should see two amber lamps light up. However, if only the middle lamp lights up, it indicates an "open ground".
Additionally, you can perform a functional test by plugging in a high-current device, such as an electric kettle or a vacuum cleaner. While the device is drawing current, measure the neutral-ground voltage. It should be higher, indicating a significant amount of wire between the outlet and the neutral-ground connection. However, this test does not prove that the ground is fully functional and legal, and it is recommended to consult a licensed electrician if you have concerns.
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Turn off the power at the main electrical box
To turn off the power at the main electrical box, you must first locate your home's electrical service panel. This is typically a large grey metal box attached to one of the walls in or around your home. It is usually found in out-of-the-way rooms or areas.
Before opening the service panel, ensure that all the lights in your home are off, and test several outlets with a non-contact electrical tester. Check that the floor around the service panel is dry. Once you have opened the panel, you will see rows of individual circuit breakers, which look like toggle switches, and a main breaker on top. A list indicates which parts of the house each breaker controls.
To shut off power to an individual circuit, flip the lever of the corresponding breaker to the "off" position. Test the device to make sure the power is off before beginning any work.
To turn off the power to your entire house, locate the main breaker, usually a double-width switch located at the top of the service panel. You may need a flashlight to see. Flip the switch to the "off" position.
If your home was built before 1965, you may have fuses instead of breakers. These are usually smaller white boxes that sit horizontally and are located on an exterior wall. To turn off the power, remove and replace the fuses.
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Remove the cover plate and receptacle
To remove the cover plate and receptacle, start by turning off the power at the main electrical box. This will ensure your safety while working. Next, locate the cover plate's flathead screws, which are typically used to attach the cover plate to the receptacle. Using a small flathead screwdriver, carefully unscrew the cover plate by turning the screws counterclockwise. If there is paint or wallpaper around the cover plate, use a utility knife to carefully cut around the receptacle to avoid tearing.
Once the screws are removed, gently pry the cover plate away from the receptacle. Be careful not to apply too much force, as you don't want to damage the cover plate or the surrounding area. With the cover plate removed, you should now access the receptacle and the wiring behind it.
To remove the receptacle, start by unscrewing the mounting screws located at the top and bottom of the receptacle. You may need to use a screwdriver or a drill to loosen these screws, being careful not to strip the screws or damage the surrounding area. If the painted edge or plaster is obstructing the screws, you may need to cut through it or pry it loose gently.
After removing the mounting screws, carefully pull out the receptacle from the box, being mindful of the wires connected to it. Gently pull the receptacle out as far as the wires allow, taking care not to strain or damage the wiring. Once the receptacle is removed, you should now have access to the wiring and the box, allowing you to inspect and work on the ground connection.
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Identify the grounding wire
Before attempting to ground an outlet, it is important to identify the grounding wire within your electrical circuit. Typically, this wire is distinguished by its green or bare copper colour. In some cases, it may be sheathed in green insulation.
If you have a ground wire, usually a bare copper or green wire, in a cable arriving in the box, it may or may not be grounded, so you should test it. If you have one of these, you can hook it up to a grounded receptacle and use an ohmmeter to check for resistance. If the metal outlet box has little to no resistance, then it’s grounded.
If you are unsure which type of outlet you have, look for a metal tab connecting the top and bottom vertical slots on the side of the outlet. This indicates that the outlet is grounded. If there is no tab, the outlet is ungrounded.
To test a grounded outlet, you can use a circuit tester, which will indicate the different problems a receptacle may have. You can also use a multimeter to test voltage and identify circuitry issues. To test for faulty grounding, start by turning the multimeter to the highest AC voltage range available. Then, insert the two test probes into the hot and neutral slots of the outlet. If you then pull the black probe out and move it into the third outlet hole, a properly grounded outlet will display the same measurement on the multimeter. If the value changes, the outlet is improperly grounded or has reversed wiring.
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Use a ground clip or ground bus
Grounding an outlet in a plastic box requires a slightly different approach compared to metal boxes, which rely on their metallic composition for grounding. Here is a detailed guide on using a ground clip or ground bus to achieve proper grounding in a plastic box:
Understanding Grounding in Plastic Boxes
Before delving into the process, it's important to understand the concept of grounding in the context of electrical boxes. Grounding is a safety measure that provides an alternative path for electricity to follow in the event of a fault, preventing shocks and fires. In metal boxes, the metal enclosure itself serves as a path to ground. However, plastic boxes, being non-conductive, require additional measures to ensure proper grounding.
Using a Ground Clip or Ground Bus
- Ground Clips: Ground clips are an alternative to using ground screws, especially in situations where there is no tapped hole available in the box. Ground clips are often found in "spec grade" devices, where they serve as a convenient shortcut to grounding. They eliminate the need for ground pigtails, reducing congestion in multi-gang configurations.
- Ground Bus: A ground bus is essentially a common grounding point that allows multiple devices or circuits to share a ground connection. In the context of a plastic box, you can create a ground bus by running a dedicated ground wire along the length of the box and connecting it to each device or outlet you want to ground. This ensures that each outlet has a proper grounding path.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Turn Off Power: Before beginning any electrical work, ensure you turn off the power at the main electrical box. This is a critical safety precaution.
- Remove Cover Plate: Use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the cover plate of the outlet. If necessary, carefully cut around the receptacle to avoid damaging wallpaper or paint.
- Disconnect the Outlet: Unscrew the mounting screws at the top and bottom of the outlet to disconnect it from the box. Be cautious not to damage the wires connected to the outlet.
- Inspect Wiring: Check the wiring configuration. The black wire should connect to the brass terminal ("Hot"), and the white wire to the silver terminal ("Neutral"). On a grounded receptacle, the larger slot is neutral (for the white wire), and the smaller slot is hot (for the black wire).
- Connect to Ground Bus: Identify the ground wire, typically a bare copper wire. Connect this wire to the ground bus, which can be a dedicated wire running along the length of the plastic box. Ensure this ground bus is properly grounded, either by connecting it to a utility company-provided ground rod or another approved grounding point.
- Secure Connections: Ensure that all connections are tight and secure, including wire nuts and any clips or screws.
- Reassemble: Carefully wrap the outlet with electrical tape, covering the terminals. Push the outlet back into the box, being mindful of the wire placement. Tighten the mounting screws and replace the cover plate, tightening it securely.
Safety and Code Compliance
It is essential to check your local electrical codes and schedule inspections to ensure your work complies with regulations. Grounding electrical outlets properly is crucial for safety, and in some cases, you may need to consult a certified electrician.
By following these steps and understanding the role of ground clips and ground buses, you can effectively ground an outlet in a plastic box, ensuring a safer electrical installation.
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Frequently asked questions
Grounding refers to the wire that runs from an outlet into the earth, protecting homeowners from coming in contact with electric energy. It provides a safety path for electricity if there is a problem inside an appliance.
If your outlet has only two prongs, use a multimeter by placing one lead in the hot port and the other on the metal outlet box or plate screw. If the meter reads around 120 V, the box is grounded.
Older homes often have two-pronged receptacles that should be replaced with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle. You can do this yourself, but it is important to check your local electrical codes and schedule inspections.
First, turn off the power at the main electrical box. Then, remove the cover plate and receptacle of the outlet. Identify the grounding wire, which is often a bare copper wire, and attach it to the outlet with a ground screw. Finally, secure the outlet by wrapping it with electrical tape and pushing it back into the box.
It is important to test both outlets in a duplex configuration to ensure they are not receiving power. Make sure to check your local building codes, as some areas require a licensed electrician to ground older wires.
