Wall outlet(receptacle) open ground
#1
01-19-14, 11:38 AM
Wall outlet(receptacle) open ground
I have a 30year+ old house. On some of my receptacles, when I use a tester, I get the indication that it's open ground. In the receptacles, the top outlet shows open ground while the bottom outlet give the correct indication. The box is metal, with a ground wire attached to it with a screw. Please see the pictures. Is this a problem with the receptacle or the wiring?
Thank you for taking the time to look at my problem.
Thank you for taking the time to look at my problem.
#2
01-19-14, 11:43 AM
I would say it is a receptacle problem. Either replace the receptacle With a back wired, not back stabbed one, or conventional around the screw installation.
#3
01-19-14, 11:49 AM
You need to use a multimeter*, preferably analog, to do an accurate test. Grounding to a metal box serves no purpose unless the box is grounded. Using a multimeter measure between the alleged ground wire and the black. You should get ~120 volts. Check to the white also. Repeat the same tests but measuring to the box instead of the ground wire.
*A cheap, $8-$15 analog multimeter is a good tool for this. Cheap digital meters aren't recomended because they may be influenced by induced voltage.
*A cheap, $8-$15 analog multimeter is a good tool for this. Cheap digital meters aren't recomended because they may be influenced by induced voltage.
#4
01-19-14, 11:51 AM
when I use a tester, I get the indication that it's open ground. In the receptacles, the top outlet shows open ground while the bottom outlet give the correct indication.
#6
01-19-14, 12:49 PM
I assume the tester is broken
