09-23-2019, 04:06 AM
testcase wrote:
"and upgrade a number of outlets to three prong"
Be VERY CAREFUL that you or even an elecrtician does not do a "Bootleg Ground". The life you save may be your's (or a family member).
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Bootleg+groubd&ia=web
A number of years ago, my son wanted wanted to add a grounded outlet to the kitchen in their 60s era house, I think so they could plug in a dishwasher. I said it would be a significant job- someone would have to run some 3 conductor romex, lots of fishing in walls to get the romex back to the box, etc. Later on, I heard they got an electrician to do it in an afternoon.
Really?? - well, turns out the guy just ran a copper ground wire from an existing box to a clamp on the copper piping of the sink plumbing. I was doubtful that was code, and surprised a licensed electrician would do so.
But that was Indiana, maybe 6 years ago. I had helped him install a modern breaker panel in this place, sank a proper ground stake outside - we even pulled a permit and had the inspector come out and tweak a few things. I also added some GFI breakers, since he had a lot of unprotected two wire outlets. When they went to sell the house, the electrician at that point said that because we used GFI breakers, only the first outlet in the circuit was protected. (?!?).
I dunno. I get the impression that electricians develop their shortcuts, and their beliefs and practices, and discover when they can get away with shit.