ECN Forum
Posted By: Tammy Gammon Retrofit for old 2 Wire Romex - 11/17/08 05:48 PM
Hi,

Besides replacing old 2 wire Romex, are there any retrofit techniques available?

Thanks,
Tammy
Posted By: gfretwell Re: Retrofit for old 2 Wire Romex - 11/17/08 07:15 PM
There are ways you can run a separate EGC to each box in most cases but the only real thing you are saving is the cost of the wire. I bet the labor is a wash.
Posted By: George Little Re: Retrofit for old 2 Wire Romex - 11/17/08 10:03 PM
Depending on what you consider retrofit— It is permitted to protect the circuit with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter type circuit breaker and this would allow you to install a 3 wire receptacle (2 wire w/ ground) on the circuit and this would be code compliant, if that's what you were interested in. Beyond that, I agree with Greg.
Posted By: gfretwell Re: Retrofit for old 2 Wire Romex - 11/18/08 01:27 AM
Usually when I hear this question it is because the customer wants to install something that needs a ground. Most stuff in a home has a 2 prong plug so it is not an issue but when you are installing computers that need surge/EMI protection or equipment with grounded cases there is nothing better than a real hard wire ground ... even if the code allows GFCIs.
Bear in mind, in most cases the fault will go through the user to operate the GFCI. I hope they know to test them often.
© ECN Electrical Forums