dishwashergrounding
I just replaced my dishwasher, and noticed that the old unit had two wire connections: black-to-black wire and white-to-white wire. The ground wire from the home was exposed and wrapped around a screw on the unit.
Now, my new unit has a green wire for ground. Is it okay to simply connect the exposed ground wire to the green wire on the unit? The alternative would be to re-strip all of the wires so that the ground is not exposed (but, I'd rather not).
Thanks!
Sometimes when ceiling boxes are roughed in, they use x/3 with ground cable so that they can supply 1 switched hot, 1 neural, 1 hot/switched hot, and 1 ground to the ceiling box.
This allows a ceiling fan to be installed in such a way that the fan can be controlled either by a separate switch, or using only the attached pull chain. In this situation the red wire in the cable is usually disconnected and capped at both ends, and is only intended to be connected as needed.
You may be able to verify this by opening the switch box, and verifying the wiring at the switch. If this is the case and the extra hot wire is not needed, it should be disconnected and capped at both ends. Once that's complete, you can move on to determining if you have a proper grounding conductor.
If the building was renovated/built in 2008, it's not likely the circuit does not include an ground conductor. However, there are multiple ways to satisfy the grounding conductor requirement according to NEC 2008 250.118.
The most accurate way to verify whether or not there a proper ground connected, would be to check for continuity between the junction box and the grounding electrode system. In most situations this is not an option, so another test must be performed.
To run this test you'll either have to be within reach of; or be able to run a lead to, the grounding bus in the main service panel.
If the meter beeps or gives a reading close to 0, the box and the load center are electrically connected. This means there is a proper grounding conductor installed. If the meter does not beep or has a reading of infinity, the box and the load center are not electrically connected. You'll have to install an approved grounding conductor throughout this circuit, if you want proper grounding.
If you have a known good ground nearby (from another circuit, for example), you can use this ground to test for an equipment ground at the box in question.
If the meter beeps or gives a reading close to 0, the box and the known good ground are electrically connected. This means there is a proper grounding conductor installed. If the meter does not beep or has a reading of infinity, the box and the known good ground are not electrically connected. You'll have to install an approved grounding conductor throughout this circuit, if you want proper grounding.
If neither of these options are available, the next best option is to check for continuity between the box and the circuits grounded conductor (neutral). These two conductors should be electrically connected (bonded) at the main service panel, so checking continuity between them can (usually) determine if there is an equipment ground.
WARNING: This method relies on the circuit being installed correctly. If the grounded conductor (neutral) is (incorrectly) connected to the grounding conductor anywhere along the circuit, this test may give invalid results.
If the meter beeps or gives a reading close to 0, the box and the grounded conductor (neutral) are electrically connected. This means there may be a proper grounding conductor installed. If the meter does not beep or has a reading of infinity, the box and the grounded conductor (neutral) are not electrically connected. You'll have to install an approved grounding conductor throughout this circuit, if you want proper grounding.
NOTE:
All continuity testing should be carried out while the circuit is dead. Shut off power to the circuit at the breaker before working on the circuit, and verify the circuit is off using a non-contact voltage tester.
Electricity is dangerous and can lead to property damage, injury, and death. If you do not feel comfortable working with electricity, please contact a qualified Electrician.
Yes, if there is a ground lead from the fixture you must connect it. If the box is metallic, and properly bonded, then any metal crossbars or mounting will also be bonded, but do connect the ground wire to the box's ground wire.
Best Answer
grounding in a home IS exposed. Consider every metal water line, gas line - in older homes those were used as the grounding mechanism. The ground is connected to the metal body of appliances, tools etc. In case of short in the system the current will pass through the body of the appliance through the ground wire to the panel and then to the dedicated ground rod.
What you should do is check to see that the wire is actually grounded. If you can read 110V on a meter when one lead it connected to the 'hot' lead and the other meter lead is connected to the ground - then usually indicates good ground.