Grounding Home Electrical Circuits
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When installing new electrical wire where do I connect the ground wire? How to Install Ground Wires for Home Electrical Circuits, Common Methods for Grounding Home Electrical Circuits, Ground Buss and Ground Bars, Grounding at the Panel, Grounded Circuit Cables.
© By: Dave Rongey
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Electrical Circuit Grounding
[ad#block]Electrical Question: When installing new electrical wire where do I connect the ground wire?
- I have a panel box in my home that has all BX wiring going into it.
- I want to add another breaker for a plug.
- I ran 12 gauge Romex to the electrical panel.
- When I connect into the panel box I know where the black and white wires go but I am not sure what to do with the bare copper wire.
- I assume that it needs to be connected to the metal Electrical box? Correct?
- All the other BX cable is grounded to the box through the metal jackets that are secured to the metal box
Please advise.
Thanks, Bob.
This electrical wiring question came from: Robert, a Homeowner from Oxford, CT.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Robert.
Connecting Ground Wires for Home Electrical Circuits
Application: Earth Grounding Electric Circuits.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools for Rough-In Wiring, Electric Drill and Auger Bits and Extension Cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the project, the type of construction and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing wiring in the immediate area that may interfere with the installation should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring should be done with a permit and be inspected.
Common Methods for Grounding Home Electrical Circuits
- Ground Buss and Ground Bars
- The ground wire is attached to the ground buss, the grounded terminal strip, or the ground bar which should be bonded to the panel enclosure.
- Grounding at the Panel
- If this panel is the main panel, then it will be noted that the neutral wires and the ground wires are terminated or attached to the same terminal bar.
- If this is a sub panel then the neutrals and ground wires connect separately to their specific terminal strips.
- Grounded Circuit Cables
- The local building department should be contacted to see if Type NM Cable or BX Cable is allowed to be installed in your area, and a permit and inspection is always necessary for work such as this.
- Electrical Panel Caution
- Please note that I advise homeowners and handy workers not to work in electrical panels, but rather hire a licensed qualified electrical contractor for any electrical panel work.
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