Adding grounds to existing outlets

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irving

Going to updated panel. Old romex, but may be 3 wire. Looked around for grounding block and didn't see one. I'll post again when I can really get into the project.

Pictures would help.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Danimal

Reading through this there are a few things that I would like to point out.

As soon as you start updating the wiring, including grounding, it has to be done up to code. This just means that the wire insulation type and conductor sizes are correct per the breaker sizing. The codes exist for a reason, so it is not a bad idea depending on how your wired, and what condition the wiring is in.

Per the NEC you can run the ground separate from the live and neutral, but I think that this is mostly for grounding of equipment where you have a neutral bonding jumper. That is the only time that I see this done as a commercial inspector. So you might be able to do it and cite the code, but the real best method would be to replace wire with correct new wire. Also keep in mind that per code you need to secure all conductors within three feet of the box, so you will need to get behind the drywall anyway to tack the ground to the stud.

Also if you are replacing your main panel it will require a permit and inspection from the city. There are a lot of things that need to be done to make the job safe. You might look at getting a quote from a licensed electrician. Take that quote look through what they recommend, and see if it is something that you can do yourself. It will give you a better idea of what would be needed and you can ask a bunch of questions to the electrician. Get a good company in there and they will tell you the best way to do it.

Yes, the NEC says you can run a separate grounding conductor, NEC 2014 250.130(C) HOWEVER you are not allowed to run regular (THHN) wire unless it's in a raceway (protected) So it makes no sense at all in this type of setting. You're much better off putting in new Romex to update the system entirely. You are confused on the support requirements. Within 36" of the box refers to conduit not cables, they are usually 12" from box under most circumstances, HOWEVER if you are "fishing" into finished walls the code allows you to put it in without support. NEC 2014 334.30 (B) (1)

Just wanted to clarify this so nobody gets the wrong information. I think calling a licensed electrician for a quote is a great idea, in fact get a few quotes.

get the panel upgraded. (pull a permit, we didn't once and got screwed by a licensed electrician - fail on his part to do it right)

Put some nice large junction boxes in the attic/basement where accessible.

Start running new romex to each outlet either from attic down or basement up, wherever the old stuff was. Use the old as a pull cable for the new stuff.

We did this on my house, and every weekend or so, run another new romex. Takes time, but the house is all new now wiring. Trying to fix up the grounds was as much work as just running new stuff.

Doubt I need a new panel. A room was built onto the back of the house years ago so the panel is pretty new and has plenty of space. My original plan was just to run new romex to each outlet and try and do a different room each weekend, exactly as suggested.