how to know if unknown wire is "neutral or ground"?

Posted by Stan on August 26, 2009, 10:49 pm

I'm trying to add an outlet from 2 wires that are just hanging out of
the wall. I followed the wires to the attic and only one wire goes to
the attic. The other wire went somewhere else.

I tested the wire and found out that it's either a ground or a
neutral. How do I find out for sure if this is a "ground" or
"neutral". If it's a neutral, then this outlet I'm trying to add is
almost complete. If it's a ground then I'm in for another few hours of
work.

Thanks,
stan

Posted by Mike Paulsen on August 26, 2009, 10:59 pm

Stan wrote:

> I'm trying to add an outlet from 2 wires that are just hanging out of
> the wall. I followed the wires to the attic and only one wire goes to
> the attic. The other wire went somewhere else.
>
> I tested the wire and found out that it's either a ground or a
> neutral. How do I find out for sure if this is a "ground" or
> "neutral". If it's a neutral, then this outlet I'm trying to add is
> almost complete. If it's a ground then I'm in for another few hours of
> work.
>
> Thanks,
> stan

Stan,

It doesn't matter what those mystery wires are, and nothing has changed
since you posted two weeks ago. Again:

"All conductors of the same circuit and, where used, the grounded
conductor and all equipment-grounding conductors and bonding conductors
shall be contained within the same raceway, auxiliary gutter, cable
tray, cablebus assembly, trench, cable, or cord, unless otherwise permitted"

If you google appropriate portions of the code quoted above you can
learn more, including the rationale.

Posted by Stan on August 26, 2009, 11:13 pm

> Stan wrote:

> > I'm trying to add an outlet from 2 wires that are just hanging out of
> > the wall. I followed the wires to the attic and only one wire goes to
> > the attic. The other wire went somewhere else.
> > I tested the wire and found out that it's either a ground or a
> > neutral. How do I find out for sure if this is a "ground" or
> > "neutral". If it's a neutral, then this outlet I'm trying to add is
> > almost complete. If it's a ground then I'm in for another few hours of
> > work.
> > Thanks,
> > stan

> Stan,
> It doesn't matter what those mystery wires are, and nothing has changed
> since you posted two weeks ago. Again:
> "All conductors of the same circuit and, where used, the grounded
> conductor and all equipment-grounding conductors and bonding conductors
> shall be contained within the same raceway, auxiliary gutter, cable
> tray, cablebus assembly, trench, cable, or cord, unless otherwise permitt=

ed"

> If you google appropriate portions of the code quoted above you can
> learn more, including the rationale.

What does that mean? Are you saying the ground and neutral are the
same wire?

Posted by Mike Paulsen on August 26, 2009, 11:28 pm

Stan wrote:

>> Stan wrote:

>>> I'm trying to add an outlet from 2 wires that are just hanging out of
>>> the wall. I followed the wires to the attic and only one wire goes to
>>> the attic. The other wire went somewhere else.
>>> I tested the wire and found out that it's either a ground or a
>>> neutral. How do I find out for sure if this is a "ground" or
>>> "neutral". If it's a neutral, then this outlet I'm trying to add is
>>> almost complete. If it's a ground then I'm in for another few hours of
>>> work.
>>> Thanks,
>>> stan

>> Stan,
>> It doesn't matter what those mystery wires are, and nothing has changed
>> since you posted two weeks ago. Again:
>> "All conductors of the same circuit and, where used, the grounded
>> conductor and all equipment-grounding conductors and bonding conductors
>> shall be contained within the same raceway, auxiliary gutter, cable
>> tray, cablebus assembly, trench, cable, or cord, unless otherwise permitted"
>> If you google appropriate portions of the code quoted above you can
>> learn more, including the rationale.

>
> What does that mean? Are you saying the ground and neutral are the
> same wire?

No. Absolutely not.

I think you need to consider the possibility that you're in way over
your head and need to call an electrician.

Posted by PeterD on August 27, 2009, 8:44 am

On Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:28:42 -0500, Mike Paulsen

>Stan wrote:

>>
>> What does that mean? Are you saying the ground and neutral are the
>> same wire?

>No. Absolutely not.
>I think you need to consider the possibility that you're in way over
>your head and need to call an electrician.

I think we established that a while back in another thread. I only
hope that Stan doesn't kill himself, someone else, or burn down his or
someone else's house!

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