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From: adams@swbatl.sbc.com (Tom Adams - 235-7459)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Need help grounding an old electrical outlet
Message-ID: <1990Aug9.143055.19052@swbatl.sbc.com>
Date: 9 Aug 90 14:30:55 GMT
References: <1990Aug8.213846.20482@zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu> <32588@cup.portal.com>
Reply-To: adams@swbatl.UUCP (Tom Adams - 235-7459)
Distribution: na
Organization: Southwestern Bell Tele. Co. - Advanced Technology Lab - St. Louis
Lines: 19


>ARRRGGHH!!   DON'T just use the Neutral as a ground - one reason for

>the ground. If not, you'll have to run a wire, at least 14 ga., to
>the nearest cold water pipe and clamp it on with either an electrical
>grounding clamp made for the purpose or an automotive hose clamp.

You should also be aware that new copper plumbing in old houses is often 
electrically isolated from the older galvanized iron plumbing.  This is done
to prevent corrosion problems between the different metals.

For a years rental you're probally just as well going with grounding adapters
unless the outlet is particularly hazardous (e.g. a washing machine outlet
in a damp basement).

-- 
uunet!swbatl!adams or adams@swbatl.sbc.com     
Tom Adams: 314-235-7459: Southwestern Bell Telephone Advanced Technology Lab
BOOKS WANTED: pre-1930 radio, electrical & scientific topics