ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues romex from the 1960's

I don't think you will have any problems operating the overcurrent device with the down sized ground. I would just pigtail the grounding wire and get on with my life. It is all you have. Like another poster said, if you really think you will be losing sleep over it, put them on a GFCI. That downsized ground will certainly be enough to trip a GFCI.

Thanx for the replies...1st,I don't think the "grandfathered" rule would apply once I change the 2 prong style plugs to the currently used 3 prong style plugs since an upgrade is taking place with the installation of new grounded style recepticles.
But, I wasn't sure if the reduced size grounding wire in the old romex was acceptable for grounding when the code (250.122)specifies a #14 copper equipment ground to be used on 15 amp circuits.
Also at the main panel I'll have to unwrap the ground from under the metal romex clamp and connect it directly to the ground bar,as well as unwrapping the ground wire at each outlet box from under the box clamp and splicing them together and pigtail to the box and also to the device itself.Right?
Or can I just ground the device to the box and leave the grounds as they were originally installed in the 1960's?

You can but the Code did not permit the installation in that manner when it was installed (at least I don't think it did). Again IMHO, you are correct.

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Charlie Eldridge, Indianapolis, Utility Power Guy

Sorry Charlie, I spaced your first post.

No problem, I made a mistake just last year.

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Charlie Eldridge, Indianapolis, Utility Power Guy