GFI no ground

[alextwo]

Have a question. I noticed that all the outlets in one room have no ground. None in the boxes. This was a system that was used way back. I installed a gfci and used a test light which showed an open ground. When i connect a jumper between the ground screw on the gfci and the line neutral the tester reads normal. I have my own thoughts on the safety of this but would like to here some others. Thanks all

[spirytus]

Your GFCI should work fine with an unused ground. However, it will not protect electrical equipment, and the tester may give you faulty readings because it uses the ground to create a test current leak.

 

Clearly label the socket with "No equipment ground".

 

Even though the neutral wire should be grounded at the main electrical pannel (neutral tie block), jumping ground to neutral will not provide an added path of protection.

 

I wouldnt do it.

Edited December 24, 2008 by spirytus