What to Know About Electrical Grounding and Bonding in Your Home - Golden Rule PHCE

Hey there, homeowners! Welcome back to our channel. Today, we've got a super important topic to dive into electrical grounding and bonding. But don't worry, we're going to break it down in simple terms, so you'll feel like an electrical pro by the end of this video. I’m Justus Marnin your trusted guide from Golden Rule.

First things first, what's electrical grounding, you ask? Well, think of it as your home's electrical safety net. It's like wearing a helmet when you ride a bike. Electrical grounding, or "earthing," connects your electrical stuff to the Earth. It provides a safe path for electrical currents to escape if something goes wrong, like preventing shocks and fires.

But wait, there's more! There's also electrical bonding, which is like the secret agent of electrical safety. It ensures all conductive materials in your home are on the same electrical page. So, they don't end up doing the electric boogie dance, causing trouble.

And now, the big question we often get is, "Can I tie the neutral and ground together?" The short answer is NO! These two serve different purposes.

The neutral carries electricity back to its source, while the ground is there for safety. Mixing them up can be a real no-no and may even break electrical codes. So, keep them separate and properly bonded for everyone's safety.

Now, let's take a peek at the key players in your home's grounding and bonding squad.

Grounding Electrode System: Think of this as the squad leader. It includes things like ground rods buried near your home. They make sure any stray electrical current has a safe place to go.

Grounding Conductors: These are the connectors, like extension cords for electricity, ensuring all your devices are grounded.

Bonding Jumpers: These are like the peacekeepers, making sure all your metal stuff, from your electrical panels to pipes, are in sync electrically.

So, how do you know if your electrical system is groovy or needs some attention? Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Lights flickering or dimming
• Frequent tripped breakers or blown fuses
• Weird electrical malfunctions
• Burn marks on outlets or switches
• Electric shocks or tingling sensations

If you spot any of these, it's time to take action!

Don't worry; you don't always need to be an electrician to do some basic checks.

Here are some you can do:

• Turn off the power to be super safe.
• Make sure all connections are tight and secure.
•Use a multimeter or ground resistance tester to measure resistance between the ground and your electrical panel. A low resistance value is a good sign.
• Check continuity between metal components for proper bonding.

But remember, sometimes it's time to call in the pros from Golden Rule. When should you do that? Well, if you find significant grounding or bonding issues or if you're just not sure about your electrical system's safety, it's best to get an expert's opinion. We’ll know what to do!

And lastly, always play by the rules! Electrical codes and regulations are there to keep everyone safe. Make sure your electrical work follows these rules. When in doubt, call in a qualified electrician to make sure everything's up to snuff.

So, there you have it, homeowners! Electrical grounding and bonding made easy-peasy.

Remember, your home's electrical safety is crucial, so stay informed and proactive. If you found this video helpful, give us a thumbs up, and don't forget to subscribe for more awesome homeowner tips. Thanks for watching, and we'll catch you in the next one!

#Electrical #Grounding #bonding

Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:32 What is electrical grounding
0:57 What is electrical bonding
1:40 Key components of home electrical grounding and bonding
2:20 Signs of grounding and bonding issues
2:49 DIY grounding and bonding checks
3:25 When to call a professional