Bootleg Grounds Found In Home Built in 1956

[dfreund (David Freund)]

@jballard6

it looks like Ideal made a circuit analyzer that would actually be able to detect the bootleg connection with a ground to neutral jumper. It was called the SureTest Circuit Analyzer #61-164. Link to Video.
However in trying to track this down, it also appears to be $450 and up, and out of stock everywhere unless it is priced at over $900. The ideal website is not of any help either.
Is anyone aware of any “plug in” tester that would be able to detect a bootleg ground that is readily available? I deal with enough “Fabulous Flipped” older homes, that I would like to add one to the arsenal of tools versus removing a bunch of outlets to pull out as I tend to find myself doing now when things seem questionable.

I bought this tool when I first started out but phased it out of my “normally carried and used” tools. To your question, it was the only individual plug-in device I found that could detect a bootleg ground.

I paid around $400 back then so $900 would’ve been a no-go for me. I love what it can do and originally justified the cost to purchase it because it also helps me with the electrical work that I provide in my other business. Although, the lack of bootleg grounds that I found during home inspections, and the extra amount of time carrying and using this tool wasn’t justifiable to continue using it. It always stays with me in my truck but I rarely pull it out. If I was a full time Electrician, even $900 would be worth it but not for home inspections IMO. I may rethink that depending on the feedback we get from this post

I’m glad you posted and I’m following this to see what the consensus from more experienced Inspectors is on the importance of testing for bootleg grounds and how they go about it, short of pulling a cover plate.

Here are some other topics that address this and I’m going to revisit them when I have a moment very soon:

Bootleg grounds

I made a video showing the dangers of bootleg grounds. Feedback appreciated. (This post has been edited to include the link to a new and improved video.) [A Common and Deadly Wiring Mistake - DON’T Do This.]

Boot leg dialog

You don’t need a separate explanation for a bootleg ground. All you need is to state in the report that miswired outlets can result in: dead outlets, electric shock, or fires. Trying to explain how the electrical system works is beyond what most people want to know. If they do want to know they can look it up or you can provide a link.