I have 2 ground wires that I can get around the ground screw on an outlet. Is it okay to do this or do I need to use a pigtail to join the wires and have only one wire attach to the ground screw?
Electrical – Is it okay to connect 2 ground wires to a single ground screw
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The simple answer is get "self grounding" duplex outlets. The typical design has a little spring plate meant to connect your grounded metal box to the outlet yoke, and thus to the third prong. Just install, test the ground with an inexpensive outlet tester, and feel lucky that the builder left you in such good shape:
If you are in the United States: surprisingly these are legal even in new construction. Beyond that, they're perfect for your retrofit. See the National Electric Code (NEC) section 250.146(b). Note that your ground wires may 16 guage rather than 14 or 12. That was OK at the time, and you're not required to change it now.
Code allows the crimp sleeves for grounds. The proper procedure is to tie all grounds in the box together with a crimp sleeve or green wire nut, then from there run an individual 'pigtail' conductor to the switch or outlet, continuing the unbroken single conductor to all other switches or outlets in that box.
Phil
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Best Answer
In all my years I have never seen a device ground screw rated for two conductors. Even clamp type ground connectors found on GFI devices are only rated for one conductor.
You will need to pigtail a single wire to the device. This can be achieved several ways. A green wire nut, a ground crimp, or a standard wire nut are examples.