How to Replace a Grounding Wire

A grounding wire is an important safety feature of electrical components and your mains electricity. If there is a problem with a grounding wire on any piece of electrical equipment, it is imperative that you replace it. Not doing so will run the risk of a member of your family receiving an electric shock. With such high stakes, it's vital that you take the time to make sure you install a suitable grounding wire correctly.

Step 1 – Understanding Grounding

Every electrical device and socket in your home should have some form of grounding. This can be provided by a grounding wire on the casing of the device which will keeps the electrical charge of any conductive surface at the same level as that of the earth. If a fault with the insulation occurred, the ground wire would force the circuit breaker to be activated and prevent any injury. Your mains electricity is also grounded, normally onto a metal utility pipe or copper wire that has been embedded into the earth.

Step 2 – Find Broken Ground

If you have a problem with one of your ground wires, the set up of your circuit breaker will determine how easy it is to find the fault. The most comprehensive way to do so is to turn off all light switches and unplug everything from electrical sockets. Reset the circuit breaker. If it immediately cuts out again, you are dealing with a fault in the wiring of your home. If it does not, you need to work your way around the home systematically trying your light switches and plug electrical devices into the sockets until you find the one that causes the circuit to trip.

Step 3 – Buy Replacement Ground

Once you have isolated the ground wire that is causing the problem, you need to check whether it can simply be reconnected or if it need to be replaced. Make sure that you have disconnected the power supply before you begin work and check whether any charge remains using a test meter as a safety precaution. Dissipate any charge to make the appliance safe to work on. If the ground wire needs to be replaced, it is important that you buy the correct gauge of copper wire to fully ground the electrical component. Use this calculator to figure out the correct wire size or consult a professional if you are unsure.

Step 4 – Install Ground

If the ground is attached using a screw then you need to disconnect it and put in your replacement wire. If the ground wire is fixed in place, it may be necessary to use an electrical connector. Do not solder a ground wire into place because if a short circuit current runs through it, the solder will melt and cause a fault. If you need to connect two pieces of ground wire together, use a proper mechanical conductor to do so. Ask for advice at the hardware or electrical store if you are not sure that the equipment you have is correct. Check that the ground wire is working using the test meter before returning to normal use of the appliance.