Where to put the ground wire

[kennyt123]

Hi everyone

I'm about to detail my Philco before painting the outside and the first order is to replace the old two-prong power cord to a three prong. Only trouble is that Im not sure which is the best place to put the ground. Is it appropriate to use the screw that holds the power cord to the chassis like in the photo? Thoughts?

 

[sudsmaster]

Good question. I have a '48 GE that should probably be re-wired as well.

What I will probably do is use a volt-ohm meter to check for continuity between both prongs of the existing plug to wherever you would like to attach a ground wire. If there is continuity, then the point you selected is energized when plugged in and should not be used as a grounding point. If no continuity, it's probably OK. You may also want to check for voltage with fridge plugged in and running to earth ground between the point you select and an existing ground point outside of the fridge (like the ground hole in a grounded outlet). If there is any voltage showing, then you need to find a different point to attach the ground wire to the fridge.

Ideally the point you select is electrically contiguous with the fridge chassis and cabinet, but electrically isolated from both hot and neutral line supply wires.

 

[panthera]

Ideally,

There should be a ground wire running to any metal surface which could come into user contact. Realistically, that's fine the way you're thinking of doing it.

 

 

[sudsmaster]

Yes, except it's important to make sure that surface is not already energized before attempting to ground it. If it's already energized, then the fault should be corrected first.

Stay safe. Don't take shortcuts.

 

[panthera]

well, yes, of course

One should check, first. The general idea, though, is far better than nothing!

 

[sudsmaster]

Safety first, esp with old electrical stuff.

 

[lorainfurniture]

Anywhere on the body and an additional lead mounted on the compressor