switching from isolated ground receptacle


I'd like to understand the effort required to switch to a grounded receptacle from an isolated ground recepatacle before I call the electrician. It's on a dedicated circuit. To be more specific, do I need to pull a 14/2 wire to replace the 14/3 wire?
viiu

Showing 4 responses by jea48

Viiu,

14/3 wire.... NM-B cable, Romex example of? Not sure why you spent the extra money for an isolated grounding type receptacle in the first place.
In your case the isolated ground contact of the receptacle works the same as a regular grounding type receptacle. No isolation was needed.

It's on a dedicated circuit. To be more specific, do I need to pull a 14/2 wire to replace the 14/3 wire?

I assume, hope, the safety equipment grounding conductor was terminated on the ground bar in the electrical panel the branch circuit is fed from. If this is the case you need not do anything, just change out the receptacle.

I should point out though if an electrician installed the branch circuit wiring and the isolated grounding type receptacle and used a metal rough-in box for the recept he should of also connected the safety equipment grounding conductor, wire, to the metal box.....
If a plastic box was used everything is code compliant, but in this case by code you must use a non conductive recept cover plate.....

On an isolated grounding type recept the ground contact of the recept is not connected to the metal supporting back strap of the recept. By code the strap must also be connected to a safety equipment ground wire. (The strap of the recept is connected to the metal box by support screws which is connected to an additional safety equipment grounding conductor.)
Jim
Viiu,

No problem at all with changing out the recept.

If you are going to install a 20 amp recept I should point out that technically, per NEC code, a 20 amp recept cannot be installed on a 15 amp branch circuit....
If that is your intent the electrician may make you aware of the fact. Just change the 20 amp recept to a 15 amp in the event you sell and move from the house.
They need to revise or clarify article 210 in the NEC in my opinion.
12-06-09: Hifitime
Hifitime,
which section?
Article 210 of NEC 2008 has many new changes....

Just one example, NEC pretty much made miltiwire branch circuits a thing of the past.
210.4 (B) Disconnecting Means. Each multiwire branch circuit shall be provided with a means that will simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors at the point where the branch circuit originates.

No changes regarding Table 210.21(B)(3) Receptacle Ratings for Various Size Circuits.
or
Table 210.21(B)(2) Maximum Cord-and-Plug-Connected Load to Receptacle.

Jim
Hifitime,

Actually it does makes sense. Table 210.21(B)(2) Maximum Cord-and-Plug-Connected Load to Receptacle, says the maximum cord-and-plug continuous load that can be connected to a 15 amp receptacle is 12 amps. For a 20 amp receptacle the max is 16 amps. UL / CSA requires manufactures to size the cord and plug accordingly for the load of their appliance or equipment.

Example, if the continuous load of an appliance or equipment is 12 amps or less then the manufacture uses a 5-15P 15 amp plug. If the continuous load is greater than 12 amps the manufacture must use a 5-20P 20 amp plug.
That is the reason consumer vacuum cleaners only have a so called 12 amp motor, max. Most house hold convenience receptacles are 15 amp (and more than likely #14awg wire, 15 amp branch circuit) so the manufacture has to use a 15 amp plug, that is if he wants to sell any vacuum cleaners. He has to make sure the total continuous load of his vacuum cleaner does not exceed 12 amps... Pretty much the same for power amps...... Maybe a few exceptions.....

As for the difference between a 15 amp and 20 amp receptacle, the only difference is the face plate. A 5-15P plug will fit a 5-15R or 5-20R amp recept. A 5-20P plug will only fit a 5-20R amp recept.
The guts inside a 15 amp recept are the same as a 20 amp recept.
Jim