Hidden Electrical Hazards - Check Your Grounded Outlets
Shock hazards and warranty issues. If you live in an older house, you may be
shocked, literally, to discover that your "grounded" (three-pronged) electrical
outlets are not really grounded, after all. This article describes why that’s a
dangerous situation, how to tell if your outlets are really grounded, and what
to do if they’re not.
The electrical term, open ground, describes a situation where someone has
installed a three-pronged outlet, but the cable serving that outlet still
contains only two wires, a hot and a neutral, and no ground wire. The
three-pronged outlet gives the appearance of an upgrade, but the outlet is not
really grounded. This is bad news for two reasons.
Shock hazard
This should be your first concern, and it's a real one: a receptacle that is
not properly grounded is a safety hazard to you and your family. A shock from an
improperly grounded 120-volt outlet can cause injury, even death. And take note:
those receptacle "cheaters," those little, grey three-hole plugs with the tab on
them that you screw into the plate? They don't work, and they can present a
hazard to you and the equipment you plug into them.
Warranty issues
The following appliances require a grounded receptacle, for both safety and
warranty reasons:
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Washing Machine
- Computer
- Television
- Any piece of equipment with a 3-pronged plug
Plugging any of this equipment into a receptacle that is not grounded can
present a shock hazard, can damage the product, and can void the product
warranty. Computers have especially sensitive voltage requirements. Note that
surge protectors will not work properly unless a ground is present. These
appliances and pieces of equipment are not small investments; protect them by
using only properly grounded outlets. Where necessary, call in a qualified
electrician to run you a new wire.
For additional information on electrical and other
issues pertinent to older houses, visit
www.ranchrevival.com
About the Author: Liz Pauley is a staff writer for ranchrevival.com , a website
devoted to owners of ranch style houses, old and new.
If you are looking for a professional electrician, please call us today at 877-240-VOLT or complete our online request form.
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