How Do I add a Ground to an Outlet???
How Do I add a Ground to an Outlet???
(OP)
Hi, I just moved into a new place and I realized that the outlet in my room is not grounded. They're all those 2 hole outlets. I have an expensive new computer and with all the rolling blackouts here in California, I don't want to risk my equipment. I was wondering how I would go about, and what I would need to add a ground an outlet.






RE: How Do I add a Ground to an Outlet???
Suggestion:
1. The proper solution is to have a licensed electrical contractor to install the grounded receptacle according to the NFPA 70-1999 National Electrical Code (he is supposed to be very familiar with)
2. The receptacle ground is not essential for the computer operation, although it is required to be grounded for the safety of its operator. What is more important is the power quality that includes protection against overvoltages, voltage sags, harmonics, voltage spikes, etc. Often, computers are powered over uninterruptible power supplies, or power line conditioners that may actually isolate the computer from the regular power receptacle ground and may use computer or instrument ground. This means that the computer is safe and potentially grounded to a different ground called a computer or instrument ground (but this is rare in residential buildings).
RE: How Do I add a Ground to an Outlet???
you just need a some cable and a cu(copper) bar (which is 1 m). and you have to connect the cable outlet and bar. then bury the bar to ground. it is enough for a outlet.
RE: How Do I add a Ground to an Outlet???
RE: How Do I add a Ground to an Outlet???
I am inferring from your post that you are concerned about switching surges that will harm your PC when the power comes back. You are right that your surge supressor (the one in your power strip) will be ineffective without a ground at the outlet, so it's a good idea to pursue the installation of a grounded outlet for that reason as well as for the safety reasons cited by jbartos. Switching surges from the utility are not terribly likely to cause too many problems for your computer unless you are fairly close to the utility substation, but to protect your computer from surges generated within your own home, the surge suppressor is very useful.
So, unless you are terribly interested in personally running the ground wire from the ground rod, through your walls, and finally to the outlet, the electrician option tends to look like an attractive alternative to doing the work yourself. If they are licensed, they also take on the liability if they don't install it correctly.
RE: How Do I add a Ground to an Outlet???
RE: How Do I add a Ground to an Outlet???
I had a local electrician quote the job for me. To change 5 plugs in the house to grounded plugs, drive the rod, and add 3 GFCI outlets was over $500.
RE: How Do I add a Ground to an Outlet???
RE: How Do I add a Ground to an Outlet???
RE: How Do I add a Ground to an Outlet???