Originally Posted By: rmoore
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
1954 home I did the other day had 6 receptacles on the same wall, 3 in the kitchen, 3 in the adjoining dining area, all test false ground (thank you Suretest). Panel was on the other side of the home. 3 of these were GFCI?s (2 in kitchen, 1 in the dining area). I popped the cover plate off one of the GFCI?s and, sure enough, there was a bare wire jumped from the side neutral terminal to the grounding terminal. No problem as far as the inspection and report goes?safety concern, prompt repair, licensed Sparky, etc, etc.
However, since then I?ve been trying to get it clear in my head what the actual effect of a bootleg ground is or could be. Obviously, the outlet lacks proper grounding, but?
Am I right in thinking that if you plugged a 3-prong appliance into a regular outlet wired this way and then touched the metallic housing (while it was on) and a grounded faucet with the other hand, you could put yourself in series and receive a shock at a portion (half?) of the voltage?
In a GFCI wired this way (assuming it was from the line side) wouldn?t the GFCI sense an imbalance and trip just by touching the above 3-prong turned on appliance?
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Richard Moore
Rest Assured Inspection Services
Seattle, WA
www.rainspect.com
