Older Homes And Grounding Systems: What You Need Too Know
Housing codes have evolved over the years, ensuring that newer homes are built with the latest standards for optimal safety. A notable update to electrical safety standards was made in 1962 by the National Electric Code, or NEC. This update required all newly built homes to have grounded electrical outlets. If your home was built prior to 1962, it may have ungrounded electrical outlets.
What Are Ungrounded Electrical Outlets?
During the construction of older homes, electrical outlets were installed using a bond wire. This bond wire attached to the steel galvanized water pipes, which were common at the time. These pipes typically run underground, which allowed the electrical system to be grounded.
However, galvanized steel rusts over time. Plumbers were called to replace the pipes with newer PVC pipe. Plumbers often focused on updating the plumbing system without regard to the electrical system. PVC pipe does not conduct electricity, which means that many older homes today have ungrounded outlets.
What Is the Danger of an Ungrounded Electrical Outlet?
When an electrical outlet is grounded, electricity can flow to the ground. This is a safe and effective solution for dealing with electricity currents. If a stray current cannot flow to the ground, it flows through other conductive materials. This can be building materials in the home or even people.
The dangers of an ungrounded electrical outlet include electrical fires caused by sparks and arcing. If someone comes in contact with the electrical current, they could be seriously injured or even die due to a shock. In addition, appliances and electronics plugged into an ungrounded outlet can be damaged.
How Are Electrical Outlets Grounded in Modern Homes?
Newer homes are built with PVC water pipes. Because this plastic material is not conductive, an alternate grounding method must be used. Two common grounding methods are available today that are both safe and effective. One of these methods is a copper rod. This 8-foot rod is installed in the ground, allowing electricity to flow safely out of the home.
If your home has a concrete foundation, that foundation is reinforced by a system of steel rods. The bond wire is connected to a steel rod, which effectively grounds it. In some cases, though, the galvanized steel grounding rod used may still not be sufficient. The pipe is often exposed, which makes it difficult to determine if a full eight feet of the rod is properly buried underground. In addition, these steel pipes can rust over time. For these reasons, the copper rod method is the best option for grounded electrical outlets.
How Do You Know If Your Home’s Electrical Outlets Are Grounded?
If you have an older home, it’s important to know if your electrical outlets are properly grounded. However, this is not something that you should inspect on your own. Even in a newer home, you should know if your home uses a copper or steel grounded rod. You also need to ensure that it is properly buried at a safe depth. The best way to determine if your home’s electrical system is safe and up to the latest codes is by scheduling an inspection with a licensed electrician.
Can You Add Ground Wires To Older Homes?
Absolutely, older homes can be upgraded to include grounded wiring, but it’s not a simple DIY fix. Retrofitting a grounding system typically involves replacing two-prong outlets with three-prong ones and ensuring the wiring behind the walls supports that change. In many cases, this means running new electrical wiring entirely, since the original wiring likely lacks a dedicated ground wire.
This kind of upgrade not only brings your home in line with modern safety codes, but it also gives you peace of mind when plugging in valuable or sensitive electronics. Plus, it can add to the resale value of your home by reassuring future buyers that the electrical system is safe and up to date.
Of course, because this work involves your home’s electrical infrastructure, it’s essential to hire a licensed electrician to assess your system and perform the upgrade. It’s not just about safety—it’s about doing the job right the first time.
Schedule Service with Mister Sparky Today
Mister Sparky is your trusted source for reliable electrical services in the Ocala area. Our electricians will inspect your system to ensure that it complies with the latest safety standards. If improvements are needed, we will provide you with quality service at a fair price. Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky.
