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No ground wire???

Recently moved to a house built in 1961. When replacing outlets found that there's no ground wire, two wires only. Boxes are steel and I think there's metal conduit in there. Is ground provided by the screws holding the outlet in the box? Effective? I would assume only if the conduit is grounded?

Have a newer box with circuit breakers and a lot of Romex coming out but not to my two audio outlets.

Any comments or opinions would be appreciated. Considering having an electrician run a new line for audio (which wouldn't hurt in any case). I would be more comfortable with a separate copper ground wire. All y audio stuff is three prong.
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Showing 1 response by jea48

jea48
4,265 posts
 
Back in 1961 steel boxes were used for rough-in boxes along with 2 wire Romex. In this case the metal box would not be grounded. A quick look inside would reveal a Romex clamp with a screw in the middle of the clamp holding down the Romex in place. You should also see the outer sheath of the Romex extending into the box beyond the Romex clamp.

Steel box with Romex clamp.
http://www.zoro.com/i/G0645337/?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&kpid=G0645337&gclid=CP-xkKyevcICFcGPMgodHVIADg
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