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where can I get a self grounding surge protector that has 2 prong to wall?
Moved into an old house that all the wiring was replaced with new- even outlet boxes changed over to pvc. But the only the wiring that needed by code was given ground- everything but what was required was kept on the old knob and tube between floors. Because of the PVC the old adapters of 2 prong to 3 prong don't work.
I need something that can provide grounding for my computer and ac unit. Adapter, converter, or an UPS of some sort (I tried looking for a sine protector but they don't make them for 2 prongs anymore, so it seems). It will have to be like a permanent fix because it may not get corrected for about a year or more.
2 Answers
- DanLv 47 years ago
There is no good fix here without effort. There are two reasonable fixes here:
1) Call the landlord / title insurance people and get an electrician in to fix this thing much sooner than normal.
2) Take matters into your own hands a bit. Go to a home improvement store, get a copper grounding rod, drive it into the ground in the backyard after finding a spot where no wires or pipes are, attach a ground wire and run it directly to a three prong outlet near what you need grounded and attach to the outlet's ground screw. Ground really is ground in the world around.
This seems odd, but it is ultimately what needs to be down when the wiring is all replaced, a ground stake driven and connected to the panel, wiring that accommodates the 'safety ground' put in to replace the old two wire system and GFI put in where required in the kitchen, bath, etc.
By the way, a "self grounding surge protector" is either a con, a marketing term or an oxymoron, depending on what you know about grounds and grounding. I vote for the moron's ox;-)
I hope this will help you research and make the needed alterations. As a word of caution, if you are uncomfortable doing this yourself or don't know exactly what I just explained or why, then find someone competent to do it. Even a major electrical project before it was expected is cheaper than your own funeral. Good luck and stay safe!
Source(s): Me, myself and I. - PoohBearPenguinLv 77 years ago
You don't.
The 3rd prong is what provides grounding. Without it, you just have a regular old power strip.
It is sometimes possible to install a grounded outlet yourself by replacing the 2-prong outlet (TURN OFF THE POWER FIRST) and then connecting the ground wire to a steel or copper water pipe (preferably, the cold water pipe)
Use an outlet tester to make sure everything is connected properly.
If any of this sounds too daunting for you, CALL AN ELECTRICIAN. You can injure or kill yourself or burn the house down if you don't know what you're doing.
