Re: Ungrounded circuits
Jan, welcome to the forum.
Originally posted by Jan:
What are the potential risks of plugging a computer into an ungrounded receptacle?
The most specific problem in this case is that the surge protector the computer is plugged into is ineffective without a ground to shunt surges and over
voltage to. There are other hazards to non-grounding receptacles and what-not, but that is the stigma behind computers and old houses.
Is replacing an ungrounded receptacle with a GFCI a viable option to protect people and equipment?
It is an option, see 406.3 and 250.130.
It is not as good as a current-code-compliant installation, but it is an option for older existing installations.
Also could GFCI circuit breakers be installed, wouldn't they provide better protection all the way around in an old house with ungrounded circuits.
Yes, they can be installed, but there can be limitations due to the distances from the panel in many cases.
Cost effectiveness varies from case to case. Sometimes it is most effective to install both receptacle and circuit breaker-type GFCI protection.
Edit: Current, Voltage, same difference.
[ September 02, 2005, 07:57 AM: Message edited by: georgestolz ]