1800s house (renting) has NO GROUND upstairs.


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Old 09-29-11, 07:48 PM
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Exclamation 1800s house (renting) has NO GROUND upstairs.

Hey first post! Help!

1- No ground - Tested with cheap plug light up thing (open ground its says). Also, when plugging up surge protectors - no 2nd light.

2- Voltage (from mutimeter as well) says 119 volts....WTF?


I am renting and have complained. Nothing done yet. Anything in the basement I can do? I have looked (as told) for a seperate ground box. THANKS!
 
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Old 09-29-11, 08:26 PM
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2- Voltage (from mutimeter as well) says 119 volts....WTF?
That is a correct reading.

No ground
Do you mean 3 hole receptacles? If so not a big deal but not code compliant.

I have looked (as told) for a seperate ground box.
No such thing as far as I know.

As a renter you can't do much. Really don't see anything to worry about.
 
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Old 09-30-11, 06:11 AM
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Voltage stated is nominal and varies depending on load and other factors. 120 volts can range between 110 - 130 volts but in most cases it will be within 2-3 volts of 120.
 
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Old 09-30-11, 02:51 PM
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It would be nice to have grounded receptacles, but there's really no solution other than to run new circuits - which as a renter, you're not going to be able to do.

I'd still use surge protectors, but realize that they won't be as effective without a ground.

One of the downsides of living in a historic house.
 
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Old 09-30-11, 06:05 PM
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The only thing that can be done is to run new circuts for grounded outlets.

Another option is th install GFCI receptacles, which will give you 3-prong receptacles. The downside of this is your surge protectors will not provide surge protection.

Since you're renting, ony a liscenced electrician can perform the work.
 
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Old 09-30-11, 06:15 PM
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I am renting and have complained. Nothing done yet. Anything in the basement I can do?
If it's that important to you, you could offer to pay for part of the work or all of it if the landlord balks.
 
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Old 09-30-11, 08:26 PM
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Since the electric is what would be expected for a house that age and you have cited no major unsafe conditions if I was the landlord I would suggest you look for a house you were more comfortable in. Perhaps if you have a lease he will let you out of it with no penalty.
 
 

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