Background
So I live in Michigan (which of course affects code) and I have a bunch of two prong outlets in a house that I own. If I want to convert these to be 3 prong outlets is it still up to code to replace them with GFCI's with a label "No Equipment Grounding"? The outlets I am referring to are just in bedrooms so not by a source of water like the bathroom / kitchen.
Will the outlet still pass the outlet checker tool?
I know the tool is checking for a ground and probably still won't find one with just the GFCI there but I guess it isn't necessarily a requirement to pass that tool is it?
So if just using a GFCI is not sufficient, recently all of my copper pipes were replaced with PEX; however, the main line coming into the house to the internal water meter is still copper. Can I join all of the grounds to this? Seems like the perfect ground as it goes deep into the earth and then out to the city.
Best Answer
Installing GFCI protection on a circuit allows you to replace non-grounded receptacles (2 wire) with a grounded receptacle (3 wire) as long as it is marked "No equipment ground" and "GFCI Protected". If you just replace one non-grounded receptacle with a GFCI then it must be marked "No equipment ground". This can be found in the NEC Article 406.4(D)(2). It is used as a means to install grounded receptacles on a non-grounded circuit and not have to rewire an entire dwelling. The GFCI is not a ground but acts as shock protection due to its design.
If most of your dwelling was rerun in PEX then you should insure that you have a at least 10' of water pipe in direct contact with the earth, NEC 250.52(A)(1).
NEC Article 250.50 requires that every method of grounded available shall be combined to form one Grounding Electrode System. This means that if you only have the water pipe as your grounding electrode, you should as least drive and attach a ground rod supplementary to the water pipe.
Hope this helps to clear some things up.Good luck.