Should the ground wire from the new outlet be connected to the existing outlet’s ground screw or wirenutted to the existing ground and reattached to the metal junction?
Asked by پارمیس قاسمی 
4 months ago
Last Updated: June 3, 2024
I’m thinking about adding an outlet by extending from this one that’s already here. I noticed that the ground goes to the metal junction instead of the outlet.
So, when I’m connecting the ground from the new outlet, should I attach it to the ground screw of the existing outlet? Or should I use a wire nut to connect the new ground line to the existing ground and then reattach it to the metal junction, like in the picture?
Supposed to have a connection to both the ground
Are you planning to switch it to a 2 gang box?
If the outlet already has a ground wire connected, I would suggest moving that wire to the outlet and running a new wire to the old outlet. Both methods will work as long as both outlets are grounded, but connecting the ground wire directly to the outlet eliminates the possibility of a faulty ground between the outlet and box.
Make sure both the metal box and outlet are properly grounded. This is why receptacles come with ground terminals.
It’s fine if it’s connected to one or the other for grounding. The metal tabs on the receptacle will ground it even if it’s not connected to the ground screw on the receptacle. This is a common feature of older metal boxes.
That’s awesome until the tabs start to corrode and fall off. Seen it a lot near saltwater.
Never witnessed that previously
If you’re not sure about this question, it’s best to avoid handling the wiring.
Absolutely spot on. The electrical issues mentioned here are quite concerning. There is a risk of houses catching fire or people getting electrocuted.
They connect the ground wire to the box by using a screw that attaches it to a strap on the receptacle. The important thing is to ensure continuity, so you can choose either option. Personally, I prefer it on the receptacle.
Are you trying to add another outlet to this box? If you are, you’ll need to swap out the box because this one isn’t designed for that.
Are you adding a new box and connecting it to this one? If so, make sure to run the wire in a conduit and match the gauge of the existing wire.
For the ground screw, make 2 pig tails and connect them to the ground wire. Then connect one pig tail to the box screw and the other to the outlet ground screw. This will work for the current outlet, but not the new one you’re adding. For the new outlet, connect the ground wire into the connection for the pig tails. You’ll have 4 ground wires in the same wire nut. Avoid connecting two wires to the same screw, using a jumper for multiple wire connections, or skipping the ground wire to the outlet. These practices are not recommended.
Lastly, is the circuit connected to a GFCI or GFCI+AFCI
I’m not an electrician, but you can ground to the box and there’s no need to ground the outlet. The tabs on the plug will ground to the box when screwed in. You can also ground the plugs if you prefer.
In any case, when the metal screws are grounded, they connect the boxes together. I recommend bundling the grounds together and securing them under the screw. In certain areas, this is required by code.
If it’s outdoors, make sure it’s linked to a GFCI breaker or consider switching it to a GFCI itself. Then connect your new receptacle to the protected side. Those boxes are pretty tight inside, so be prepared.
When adding a new outlet, I recommend pulling the wires a bit longer. Wrap the grounding conductor around the ground screw in the box and cut the ground wire to the same length as the other wires. Connect all three to the outlet and you’re done. For the first outlet, connect the ground to the box and then pigtail it to the existing outlet, securing them all together with a wire nut.
I like to make sure everything is really secure, especially when it comes to grounding. I always wrap any plug in a metal box with some electrical tape to prevent it from touching the ground easily, especially with metal boxes.
You can grab wago or blue 3way lever nuts at hd. ‘t forget an extra pigtail.
No worries, everything will still be properly connected.
Hey, how about each of you contribute one?