Why do electrical outlets need to be grounded?

Are these THAT necessary?  Many houses don’t have them, especially older homes.  So what’s the big deal?  The answer is safety.  If the device you’re using develops a short inside it and allows the electricity to find an easier path than the neutral wire, it will take it – often, into YOU!  If not you, then it can take a path through some flammable material, which really isn’t a good thing either.

So if you’re remodeling, be sure to install outlets with a grounding function.  Especially if you are working in an area near water (kitchen, bathroom), do you need to install GFI or GFCI outlets?  These compare the amount of electricity leaving through the hot (usually black) wire and returning through the neutral (white) wire.  If they are different, it breaks the circuit.  This is to protect you if some of the electricity passes through you into, say, the sink, rather than returning to the panel.  The amount to seriously harm you is far less than the amount required to blow the breaker.  NEC Electrical Code states you must have a grounding conductor in every circuit.  Don’t do a halfway job; it isn’t worth it.  And besides, if you have an older home, aren’t those two prong outlets a PAIN!?

Taking the time to change out your outlets not only ensures your safety but it will be a selling point if you ever go to put your home on the market.  Inspectors and realtors will be sure to look for this update in an older home – so save yourself the trouble now and do it right!

Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair will always be there to clean up after a fire, but if you can avoid it with a few simple changes – do it!