Update: Grounding issues in apartment complexes are driving me nuts

I keep running into problems where the grounding points in older apartments are either gone or rusty. Last week, I had to redo a whole install because the ground wire didn't connect right. The building manager said it was okay, but I know it's unsafe. How do you handle this when the wiring is bad? I want to add my own ground rod, but that might break code. Seriously, any tips would save my sanity lmao.

3 comments

3 Comments

skylercooper1mo ago

Honestly, sometimes you gotta just get the job done. If the building manager says it's fine and a new ground rod fixes the immediate problem, that's better than leaving it unsafe. Code is important, but real world wiring in old places is a mess. A proper fix could take months and cost a fortune the owner won't pay.

dylanellis1mo ago

In older apartment wiring, the National Electrical Code SPECIFICALLY forbids separate ground rods for individual units. It can create a dangerous voltage difference between grounds. I watched a handyman install one and it caused feedback in the neighbor's stereo system. Your best legal move is to insist on a GFCI outlet at that location, which is a code accepted workaround. Sometimes showing the manager the actual code article 250 gets their attention. For real safety, the building needs to update its entire grounding electrode system.

matthew_ward81mo ago

Oh man, the feedback in the stereo system is such a perfect example of why that's a bad idea. Solid advice here, especially about showing them the actual code. That sometimes wakes people up.