How can I secure a ground wire to electrical boxes without using grounding clips that are too small and ineffective?
Asked by Noémie Addy 
3 weeks ago
Last Updated: June 7, 2024
I’m attempting to ground some outlets in my house that currently aren’t grounded. I bought these grounding clips that are just terrible – the 14 AWG wire won’t even fit in them and the clips barely open. Plus, my older electrical boxes aren’t set up to accept grounding screws. Do you think copper or aluminum tape could work instead? Any tips on how I can securely attach a ground wire to the box?
Simply adding a ground to the box won’t be beneficial unless the wiring is enclosed in metal conduit. Consider swapping out the breaker with a gfci for better safety.
What are the uses of these items?
Is looking to attach a metal box with an existing ground wire, but without a screw hole to attach the ground.
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Hey , I just used the picture as an example to show how the clips are utilized when there’s no hole for the screws.
Oh I see what you mean now, . That clip was definitely hammered on, not pushed. Unless you want to strictly follow the code, you could opt for self-tapping screws.
Hey , thanks a lot for sharing that simple solution! I’ve been trying to figure out how to ground some outlets in my daughter’s 1900s house. Swapping the breakers with gfci did the trick. Much appreciated!
Images of the boxes. Are they metal?
Just an FYI, ‘ boxes actually date back to the 50s and are made of metal.
Hey, here! Back in the early 80s, I had experience using these clips. Just grab a screwdriver to adjust them as needed.
Suggested placing them on the left side of the box at a lower level.
Attempted to do that but found them difficult to pry out, and ended up breaking them.
Hey , you should gently push them in instead of prying them out.
Grab a big flat screwdriver and give it a tap with lineman pliers
In the old-style metal boxes, you might find clamps in the back where you can attach your ground wire. This will also ground your receptacle.
Mentions that when plugging the tester into the new outlet without a ground wire, there is no “open ground error” detected. Everything seems to be fine. Tyler suspects that the outlet itself is grounded to the box via the screws.
Confirms that if the ground wire is connected to the box, the new outlet will be grounded to the box through the device screws.
Is not showing a ground wire attached in the picture I have.
If were to remove the outlet from the box, it would lose its grounding when connected to the electrical system through the EMT.
Did you know Leviton sells “self-grounding outlets”? I realized I didn’t purchase one of those. Can you explain the difference between self-grounding and regular outlets?
Explains that self-grounding outlets are becoming more common with two vertical slots and a ground hole below them. He suggests using a GFCI breaker for ungrounded circuits to ensure proper protection without the need for expensive GFCI receptacles.
Do the wires have built-in ground wires?
The clips are the top choice available. If a 14 wire won’t fit, you’re not using them correctly. Most likely the ground is thinner than 14 gauge if you have the old cloth wrapped wire. If you’ve updated the wire, update the box. If you haven’t changed the wire, you’re just wasting time.
If you drill and tap the boxes, you can easily add grounding screws. There are combination drill bit and tap tools designed for this specific task. https://a.co/d/3GSLJxH
The ideal solution would be to upgrade both your panels and wiring. Another option is to install a grounding bus in your panel connected to a grounding rod in the ground and run wires to each outlet.
I refuse to shell out thousands of dollars for this project
Good luck with that,
Consider replacing the breakers in the panel with gfci breakers or replacing all receptacles in the house with gfci receptacles
Are the boxes connected with metal conduit?
Yes, . The metal box contains a metal conduit. The plug tester is not indicating an open ground.
Remember, your conduit serves as the ground in this setup. The outlet, on the other hand, gets grounded through the mounting screw.