In an old house, do I need a ground wire to install newer outlets, lights, and appliances? [duplicate]

Question

If I have an old house, as in 80 years old (the wiring is newer than that), and it only has two wires, hot and neutral, no ground, can I connect newer things like ceiling fans or hanging lights?

The house wiring isn't 80, but it is old enough to have Wadsworth breakers. The outlets are not grounded, and someone said if I get GFCI outlets this will ground the outlet (put on in each room they said.) One person said if I don't, my computer and electronics will get surges or fry. The house is grounded, but not the receptacles.

I really did not want to rewire the whole house. The wiring itself is good, not paper sheathing the electrician said. This particular electrician said it would be "ok" and he wouldn't worry about plugging in things like computers or get a UPS. The electrician also said even though a couple of the GFCI outlets in a bathroom were ten years old that they still trip and are ok.

Does the house have to be rewired to use modern electrical devices (lights, tv, refrigerators, computers, etc.)?

Answer 1

GFCIs do not provide grounding and are not a substitute for grounding. They are allowed as a substitute for ground because they do a good job protecting people from electric shock. This is worthless for equipment protection. An ungrounded GFCI requires a sticker saying

NO EQUIPMENT GROUND

to put users on notice that the equipment will not be protected from ESD and cannot get a useful antenna ground.

In 2014 they changed the rules so you can now retrofit ground wires to older wiring. Grounds can take any reasonable path (don't need to be kept with the cables) and circuits can share grounds. So any given outlet only needs its ground to go to the nearest place with thick enough wire back to the panel. That includes non-flexible metal conduit being used as a ground path, and the Grounding Electrode System (bare copper wire going off to ground rods).

With older houses, I advise assuming nothing about the Grounding Electrode System. Nothing beats a physical inspection. Valid GES paths are an Ufer ground (if it was poured into the concrete at build time), a water main clamp (on the utility side of the water meter; utilities are replacing meters with plastic smart meters that do not conduct electricity) or 2 ground rods each 8' long... set at least 6' apart but preferably catty-corner on the house. 1 ground rod will suffice if it passes an expensive test.

Answer 2

There is a lot to unfold here. Short answer, no you do not need to rewire the whole house for modern appliances but yes, you should have grounds for them. I would recommend bringing the house up to code when it's financially feasible though as some insurance companies won't insure houses that have not been updated to be properly grounded. It actually isn't too bad to rewire 90% of the house with an open attic and unfinished basement. The 10% that is tough is usually the ceiling lights on the 1st floor as you have to cut up walls or floors to get them out. They can typically be grandfathered in though as "untouched" but this is getting off topic.

As far as what it sounds like the other electrician is saying, you can use GFI's to help with the situation. GFI's can "mimic" a ground and definitely do add a layer of safety for the appliances and you.

Another option would be to run a new line specifically for what your planning to add. So if your add receptacles for window A/C or something, use that for your line to computer and other modern outlets. Things like that can actually be used again then if you do eventually rewire the house.

Answer 3

GFCI protected receptacles do not in any way provide a ground. All they do is sense a difference in outgoing current and returning current, and trip if the difference is more than about half a watt.

One overlooked and not enforced is Article 250.114 that lists items required to be grounded, and not allowed to be protected by those ungrounded receptacles. Article 406.4 that allows ungrounded GCFI protected receptacles even has a Informational Note reminding you the code doesn't allow those receptacles for some equipment and refers to 250.114. (Informational notes don't contain enforceable info, but the info it refers to is enforceable.)

The list for residences in 250.114 is long, includes fridges, freezers, A/C's, washers, dryers, dish washers, ranges, disposals, IT equipment, sump pumps, aquariums, motor operated tools, and more.

So you ask "Does the house have to be rewired to use modern electrical devices (lights, tv, refrigerators, computers, etc.)?". Well I would say not necessarily "rewired", but significant upgrades need to be done to at least add grounds to many receptacles.

I think people need some help evaluating old electrical systems. They understand that plumbing, siding, roofing, windows, even driveways require maintenance, but somehow they refuse to acknowledge electrical systems aren't immune to the second law of thermal dynamics.