----- Original Message ----- From: "Kevin Tarr" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Killer Bs Discussion" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 3:49 PM Subject: Re: It Works!
> > >If you mean that you only have two-prong (ungrounded) outlets, then the > >surge protector really isn't protecting anything, as it is designed to > >divert the excess current into the third (ground) wire. If you are using > >one of those adapters to fit a 3-wire cord into a two-wire outlet, you > >need to run a piece of wire (preferably at least 12-gauge) from the little > >screw tab on the side of the adapter to the nearest *cold* (*not* hot) > >water pipe and make sure it makes a good electrical connection at both > >ends to make a ground. > > > >Ronn > > > Not saying yer wrong pardner, but for ground the third wire really doesn't > have to be that big. First, if the house has two prongs, I doubt it's wired > for 20 amps (12 gauge),
Correct! Most homes are wired for 15 amp circuits and thats pretty much in line with the NEC.
>but even if it is the ground wire can be a step or > two down from the other two, so 14 or 16 (or even 18 in his situation) > would be okay.
Well, its illegal to wire a residence with any conductor smaller than #14 wire, even for a ground wire. These days smaller conductors are only used in fixtures, equipment, and appliances.
#12 wire is actually a good choice because it tends to be more durable, and the conductor will stay in a ground clamp more reliably. It is also possible (read that as some variation of likely) that smaller conductors can be burned through by a lightning strike. ( I've seen it happen more than once)
Robert is right.
> I had to do the same in my house, ground the three (of five) downstairs > outlets directly to ground.
Does your house have a ground rod?
Definitely a better choice if you have one, but the cold water pipe is often the best available substitute. (A cold water pipe generally provides a continuous path back to where it is in contact with ground, while a hot water pipe goes to the water heater which has a tank made of glass which is an electrical insulator, so it does not provide a continuous electrical path to ground.)
-- Ronn! :)
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-- Irving Berlin (1888-1989)
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