Ungrounded Outlets in Richmond
Do you have ungrounded outlets in Richmond? This blog will explain why grounded outlets are so important. To understand why, you first need to understand what a grounded outlet does. The two vertical slots each represent a “hot” and a “neutral” wire. A grounded outlet’s ground wire connects to the neutral vertical slot. Why the duplication? It functions as a failsafe. If something goes wrong with an outlet, such as a short, the energy just flows safely back to the panel along the ground line. Without a ground line, electricity can flow into things such as textiles near the outlet or a very unfortunate person. In order to upgrade outlets safely, you will need to hire a professional electrician. Here at 24/7 Emergency Electrician, we happen to have the right professionals to assist with ungrounded outlets in Richmond.
How may ungrounded outlets be safely upgraded?
Normally, you can use one of the following methods to upgrade the electrical system: Starting with the most expensive one. Install three-slot outlets and make sure to ground them properly. This implies that any new outlets will necessitate the installation of new wiring from the outlet to the main panel. Second, place a junction box near the main panel. The equipment bonding conductors in the junction box must appropriately link to an equipment grounding conductor sized for the circuit that finishes on a grounding busbar in a subpanel or the neutral busbar at the main panel. From the junction box to the upgrading of the outlets, you will need to route new wire. Third, install ground-fault interrupters. You can position it either upstream or downstream of the outlet. Although the outlet will remain ungrounded, a GFCI will automatically “trip” the circuit in the case of a power surge.
Do not forget:
A few important points to remember: Do not ground an ungrounded outlet unless you run new wire. Equally important, upgrade each specific ungrounded outlet separately. Also, install GFCIs at the first outlet on the circuit in order to provide some fault protection. These outlets must have the label “No Equipment Ground.” Last, but not least, hire a professional electrician to do the job right. Contact 24/7 Emergency Electrician, and we will make sure to send you our local Electrician in Richmond. Give us a call now if you have underground outlets in Richmond. Call now