Thank you for such a fine explaination of surge protection. I wish I could have done as good but I just couldn’t
I am always learning. I have a new understanding of surge protection. Here is a link to what looks like a really good surge protector. I noticed that the plug is a 3-prong plug, but the schematic does not show the ground circuit.
http://www.sellcom.com/brickwall.html?source=sell.com
While most surge protectors do use the ground wire, **it turns out dumping a big load on the ground cicuit isn’t such a good idea!!! ** See the link.
Not having a ground circuit is probably worse though.
Grounding of computers, etc. is still beneficial do reduce static issues. Most of the surge protectors in use do require a ground for the warranty/guarantee to be in effect.
Where did you hear that
Hey David, Glad to have you here… Fellow California Inspector
I wouldn’t get to sucked into NEC code requirements and recommendations, since the home was constructed in the 1950’s and if everything is original, you should make recommendations that the electrical system be upgraded or at a minimum be certified as safe by a licensed electrician. When it comes to electricity, houses can burn down and people can die…Don’t be shy about even recommending AFCI / GFCI breakers to an old panel, I do… Anything that can prevent a fire, I recommend.
There may be more red flags than the outlets having open grounds… What kind of main panel did the house have? Did it have old push-matic style breakers (these are known to stick) , did it have a Zinsco or FPE panel (these are very problematic) Were GFCI’s mssing in required locations? Two-wire ungrounded tin-coated wiring and other issues noted here are very common during the 50’s era…
I would focus on all the issues, and refer to a licensed electrician for futher evaluation of the entire system if it possessed these original components. Wiring a home with new wiring is not cheap! And replacing a panel is also not cheap! Protect yourself and your clients…
And by the way, Porter Valley Software InspectVue program does an awesome job detailing these defects and upgrades… the report language is awesome! If you need the program let me know, I will save you $150 off the retail price.
Just my thoughts…
Justin
www.americandreamhomeinspection.net
Is the following statement accurate concerning the above condition?
Thank you.
The house has both 2 and 3 prong outlets. The difference between the two is the protection of a grounding conductor in the 3 prong outlets, which provides protection from electrocution. However, throughout the house, several 3 prong outlets existed without this benefit, which is known as an open ground. This condition provides a false sense of security when using an appliance or device with a 3 prong plug. The 2 prong outlets are not required to be replaced, but you should be aware that only devices with 2 prong plugs should be used in these outlets. You should consult a qualified electrical contractor to evaluate the system with remedy as necessary, which should include upgrading the system to current building and safety standards.
Assuming they test “no ground” that is a good explaination. You can also throw in the GFCI option.
There are some houses that old that will have a grounded wiring method.
Yes Greg, that is how they test. Thanks.
You might already know this, but what Greg is saying is that you can also replace them with GFCI’s. Which would safely allow 3-prong plugs.
There has been lots of benficial information in this thread. Maybe I am taking a too simple approach on this topic when it comes to the information I include in my report but when I find older two prong outlets or outlets that my tester shows having an open ground, I report it as an Issue with the electrical system and simply call it out to a licensed electrician for evaluation / repair. I think most buyers will agree when they find out there are ungrounded outlets in the home they want to buy that this is a job for a licensed sparky, I just let them know they have ungrounded outlets present.
Hey Mark, You were there once too. At least he is trying to find the answer. I know that I don’t know it all.
Then you don’t know that MarC D. Shunk has disappeared from this MB. His legacy lives on in these old posts, tho. Some very good info, too. 