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JoeD · 12-21-2012, 10:00 AM

Most surge protector require a ground to shunt the surge. So a surge protector on an ungrounded will in most cases be useless.

Wuzzat? · 12-21-2012, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_D_Haag

I have read some additional articles and what I believe I understand is that a GFCI will protect you from electrocution but in the event of an electrical surge! It will not protect the electrical components?

Am I understanding this correctly?

If this is true, Is there any way to protect the equipment without rewiring? I do understand that there are surge protectors designed for ungrounded plugs but they are very expensive. Where would I find one to price out and what would I look up?

Unless you live in FL or the Ozarks it may not be worth it.

Google (Search Results)

The ungrounded protectors should be cheaper since they cannot protect against line to ground surges. Post some links.

dthornton · 12-21-2012, 07:38 PM

Neal, I agree with you, and I can relate to all you said. 1. We bought an old (1890) house that even after fixing up won't bring a lot in this economy. 2. My wife and I are rehabbing the house while we live in it, and are doing most of the work ourselves. 3. I struggle with the finances. If I had the money, I'd pay someone else to do the work on this house (It has become a much bigger project than we ever imagined!)

4. Nope - No need to go on - I got your point. In my house, I've found that some of the knob-and-tube is bare. I'm thinking that's not a good scenario. Lowe's has a 1000' roll of 12/2 with ground for about $380. If Mark's wire is sound, though, adding some GFCI's would be a lot easier and less money.

CallMeVilla · 12-22-2012, 12:13 PM

Want a HORROR STORY?? When I was first beginning, I did run a ground wire through the baseboard, through the adjoining wall and into the space containing the water heater and the connections to the bathroom. My plan was to use a clamp for the ground to the cold water pipe.

Simple? Sure.

So, I found a pipe and clamped the wire. Job done . . . Driving away, I mentally reviewed the work and to my horror, I realized I had NOT connected the ground to the water pipe . . . (wait for it) ...

I had grounded to the gas line!

Squealing my u-turn and breaking every traffic law, I raced back to the house before the people could use the receptacle. They were oblivious to my terror ... I changed the connection and got out of there. Lesson learned: DOUBLE CHECK all electrical work before, during and after.

JoeD · 12-22-2012, 07:03 PM

In Ontario gas line are required to bonded to the metal water lines.