[Plate]

I have an old house and the previous owner has used the neutral wire as a ground on 3 prong outlets.
Physically getting a ground from out outside to all the outlet boxes is just about impossible.
Is this safe and also safe for GFI.
Thank you.

 

[dSilanskas]

Haha I see that a lot. Back in the day they used to do that to trick the wiring inspector when he came for inspection. Because if he plugged his tester into the receptacle it would read he has a ground. Depending on what code cycle your on if your going to replace the outlets you either have to replace them back to a two prong outlet without the ground or a GFCI. But keep in mind if you do install GFCI's you will have to remove that jumper also because the GFCI wont reset. If you have easy access to the basement your best bet is to just do it the safe/right way and run new wires.

 

[Speedy Petey]

NO, this is NOT safe and can be a dangerous situation under the right circumstances.

 

[gregzoll]

You have what is called a "Bootleg" ground.

 

[AllanJ]

A GFCI unit will work without a ground.

If the GFCI is built into a breaker then it will protect the entire circuit.

A GFCI unit that is a duplex receptacle can replace the existing receptacle unit in any outlet box that is large enough and it can be set up to protect all the lights and receptacles downstream of that point.

Protection afforded by GFCI units is to people against electric shock, not to equipment against power surges.

When a ground is recommended to reduce electrical noise causing problems with electronic equipment, a GFCI unit is not a substitute.

As a temporary measure, a ground wire can be run out of an outlet box and exposed on walls or baseboards and down to the breaker panel vaguely following the route of the wiring inside the wall.

 

[Plate]

Thank you for your help, you understand my problem perfectly'