Grounding probe

itchy

Member
hey guys, this might be a dumb question but I am really blonde when it comes to electricity and plumbing. Instead of plugging my grounding probe in the wall can I just attach it to the screw in the plate? I really need the extra plug in this jack. If so what do I do with the 3 prong plug? Just let is hang loose? (and no laughing) If I wanted to hear laughs I would just go to my husband...... :mad:
 

dogstar

Active Member
As long as the screw is metal and the outlet is grounded that will work. Many older homes may not work. You can check it with a voltmeter from hot slot to the screw and if it reads voltage then its grounded.
 

itchy

Member
Dogstar, this is going to sound dumber than the first question...lol Yes the screw is metal and our house is only 4 years old so I think all of the outlets are grounded...but not all of the outlets have a GFC switch. Does that mean they are not grounded? I know what the grounding cable looks like so should I take the plate off of the socket and look to see if it is indeed grounded? I guess my concern here is I do not want to overload the socket and burn my damn house down.
 

dogstar

Active Member
All regular outlets should be grouned, not just GFIs. Best to use one or replace the regular one with GFI that youll use for fish tank but will work with regular one too. Yes, if you remove the plate and see a green or bare copper wire going to a green screw on the outlet then good chance that its grounded but checking with a meter makes sure. If you overload thr circuit/outlet the breaker for that circuit should tripp off befor it burns the damn house down. Thats what them damn breakers are for.
 

pyro

Active Member
Also, correct me if I'm wrong, if you have a GFI on the same circuit as your outlet by your tank, the GFI should trip anyways.
I'd test with the voltmeter anywyas, only takes 30 secs if you have one. Otherwise, I'd look behind the plate.
 

itchy

Member
Thanks for the info guys...I don't have a voltmeter but could prolly find one somewhere. The outlet is grounded so I just attached to the screw.
 
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