So I'm replacing all of the electrical outlets that were put into my house back in 1966 when it was built with the newer style rectangular shaped outlets - in white.
What I find curious is that the current outlets have no third wire - usually a green one or bare copper - to go with the white and black ones. I have a tester that shows me if everything is hooked up right, including whether or not it detects a ground. I've verified that it works by plugging it into one of those extensions that lets you use a three-prong plug with a two-prong outlet and the little lights show a lack of ground. What I find strange is that I went ahead and hooked up the black and white wires as they were supposed to be, attached the outlet to the metal case around it, and my tester says that there is a ground.
Anybody here with an electrician background that can explain how screwing the outlet to the metal box is good enough for the ground?
What I find curious is that the current outlets have no third wire - usually a green one or bare copper - to go with the white and black ones. I have a tester that shows me if everything is hooked up right, including whether or not it detects a ground. I've verified that it works by plugging it into one of those extensions that lets you use a three-prong plug with a two-prong outlet and the little lights show a lack of ground. What I find strange is that I went ahead and hooked up the black and white wires as they were supposed to be, attached the outlet to the metal case around it, and my tester says that there is a ground.
Anybody here with an electrician background that can explain how screwing the outlet to the metal box is good enough for the ground?
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