Adding grounds to existing outlets

[Irving]

Thanks so far everyone, I'll refresh this when I go to tackle this project this winter.

[spqrzilla]

No, the white is not a ground. Its a neutral which is not the same thing.

[rondog]

No, the white is not a ground. Its a neutral which is not the same thing.

Yeah no kidding! Holy Misinformation Batman!

[J]

This ^

In some models, it can be thought of as a ground, but it is not. Even in modeling, it is a virtual ground, and not a true ground.

Do not connect the ground of a circuit to neutral. Unless you want a sparky surprise from your metal waffle iron some day.

[SideShow Bob]

This ^

In some models, it can be thought of as a ground, but it is not. Even in modeling, it is a virtual ground, and not a true ground.

Do not connect the ground of a circuit to neutral. Unless you want a sparky surprise from your metal waffle iron some day.

Talking from experience there J ?
Bet you experienced the "Old Butter Knife in the toaster" too.......

[laportecharlie]

According to the NEC, the white or neutral wire is the "grounded" wire and the green or bare wire is the "grounding" wire. They are not interchangeable.

[J]

Talking from experience there J ?
Bet you experienced the "Old Butter Knife in the toaster" too.......

Degree in Electrical engineering count? I've taken my share of zaps.

Common is a virtual ground. 120V RMS AC can be ~ 240 on the up swing and be technically correct if neutral and down swing are proportionally offset1. Netural would still be way off of true ground. Extreme example, but shows how neutral is not a true ground.

[mindfold]

Neutral is for the transmission, ground is for safety. It is there so that you do not become the easiest path in the circuit.

[Colorado Fatboy]

According to the NEC, the white or neutral wire is the "grounded" wire and the green or bare wire is the "grounding" wire. They are not interchangeable.

Correct, they are two different wires for different purposes. The grounded or neutral conductor white wire is what completes your circuit and is a current carrying conductor. The grounding, equipment grounding conductor or "ground" green or bare wire is to carry the current to ground in the event of a ground fault. There should never be any current on this unless there is a problem.

To the OP what kind of wiring do you have? Is it a two wire cable (Romex)? Or single wires in conduit? Has your panel been upgraded or original? Do the white wires run to the ground block in attic you mentioned?

[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.