Power Problem,Help!!!!!!

Squid · Post by **Squid** » Sun Mar 04, 2001 7:26 pm

I'm trying to hook up a system for my daughter(no way I'm installing barbie riding club on my system) and there doesn't seem to be any grounded outlets in her room.Is it safe to break the ground post off a surge protector and install it that way or is there another way to do it.Maybe some of you electricians out there that can tell me how to ground the existing outlets????

Kakarot · Post by **Kakarot** » Mon Mar 05, 2001 9:30 am

You could always try one of those 3-prong to 2-prong converters. Should be able to find them at any hardware store. I've used them in the past with much success.

Koo Koo Mouse · Post by **Koo Koo Mouse** » Mon Mar 05, 2001 10:27 pm

Yes that might work but there had best be a green wire hanging off that adapter or you will accomplish nothing.
That green wire needs to be grounded. In most cases you can attach it to the screw that holds the plate on the wall but that still doesn't guarentee "earth" depending on how the house is wired and the use of metal boxes and conduit and if they are even properly "earthed"
Grab an Ohmeter and check between neutral and the screw. If it is close to 5 Ohms or less, good to go, Use the adaptor. The neutral is the larger of the slots. If both slots are the same size then your house wiring is WAY old.

But really if your in question about it best call a electrical tech. I'd hate to hear your kid got shocked or ya blew the box over this.

bitSLAP · Post by **bitSLAP** » Mon Mar 05, 2001 11:18 pm

I agree with Koo Koo.

Don't use a cheater. You need a ground mkay...

There is a way of faking a ground by attaching a diode from the ground to the neutral. Don't try this with out some professional consultation....

If your wiring is in fact "way old" (lol), then perhaps you should do some rewiring for your own safety.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Tue Mar 06, 2001 9:22 am

Chances are there is a ground wire in the box. If there is, you can replace the outlet with a grounded one.

White wire goes to one of the silver colored screw, black wire goes to one of the brass colored screws. Ground wire (will probably be a bare wire with no insulation on it, or possibly green) goes to the green colored screw.

Make sure you kill the breaker before doing this or it may light up your life