Where is the main ground wire found on a house?

Question

I think someone cut and stole the copper ground going to my house although there's no evidence of any wire. Near the main wires that go from the power box to my main (which are enclosed by conduit) there appears to be a k**b of copper wire which looks cut (not enclosed by the conduit). I opened the main box and didn't notice anything cut inside. Is this copper wire that I'm describing the main house ground and where does is go to my main box, and is this something I can replace myself? Thanks!

Answer 1

Your main ground is on the outside of your home just under the electric meter, should be copper bolted to a rod in the ground.

Answer 2

There are mainly two types of grounds for houses.

Older homes would have a bare or insulated wire running from your main disconnect, to the water pipe, just where it enters the house.

This may or may not be in its' own conduit.

Newer houses may use a combination of things to ground them.

There may be a bare wire run in or below the foundation, there could be one or more ground rods installed outside.  If the house has a copper water main, they may have used that.

If you still have trouble locating it, call the local Electrical Inspector.  They should come and help you out, as it could be a safety hazard.

BTW,  gas pipes aren't used as main grounds.  

Answer 3

yes you ban replace it yourself,most of the time its connected to the gas line going to the meter,or even the main water line coming into your hse. when you look in your main pwr box,you should see 2 wires coming in to the pwr box they should be arond #2 or 4 ga. wire (strand wire) then you should have a 100 to a 200 amp brkr then 2 more wires connected directly under the brkr,in all there will be 2 wires on top and 2 wires on bottom divided by the brkr.

to the side of these you should have a bare strand wire going to and single s***w down clamp,either alum. or copper this will be you earth groung or (house ground)trace it from the box to where ever it runs out at,usually its on some kind of iron,steel,or galvanized pipe,if you have an amp,meter just set it to the highest volt readind and test the wires,just make sure you don't latch on to any live wires.that will ruin your day for sure.......

Answer 4

what year is the house?

if older has it been re-wired and when?

a lot of the older homes did not have a separate ground wire and were only grounded to the incoming water main and not to a ground rod like they do today

Answer 5

locate your meter outside, should be a copper wire not insulated, attached to a rod that is also metal that is driven in the ground on the outside of the house. if not, then your service is probably not grounded, call an electrician