In article , "John Gilmer" wrote:

"Doug Miller" wrote in message
et...
In article , Nate Nagel
wrote:

but the receptacles installed on the first and second floor are
grounding type and it appears that the ground is provided by a jumper at
each receptacle between the ground terminal and the neutral. I realize
that *theoretically* this is functionally identical,

No, it isn't, not even theoretically. This makes it possible for the
chassis
of any piece of equipment plugged into the outlet to become electrically
live,
and it's not at all safe.

If the two wire circuit (w/o ground) is protected by a GFCI, it's quite
safe. Under some circumstances it is more safe than a grounded outlet
without a GFCI.

Well, yes -- but that's not the situation that was being discussed here.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.