wrote in message
oups.com...
I have been reading on all sort of issues and remedies that people
have been suggesting for adding a 3rd ground wire to the outlets.
since the ductwork is steel, as long as you run downstairs and ground
the ductwork to the panel ground, can't you just connect the 3rd wire
of the outlets to the nearest duct outlet using a metal screw?
if this is against the code, is there any reason why? I'm assuming the
ducting is as good a conductor as a 14 wire.

On the off chance this isn't a troll- Bad Assumption. There are many, many
joints in the ductwork, not all metal to metal in all cases, but all rusting
away for many years, and all flexing year round with air pressure, temp, and
humidity changes. Even if it tests out fine at 4 pm, at 2 am after the
system cools down, it may or may not have a reliable connection.

Better to have a known ungrounded system, than a system with an erratic
ground. Rewire it properly, or live with it as is. Not to mention all the
usual cautions about code violations, inability to sell the house like that,
and the insurance company laughing at you if there is a fire.

aem sends....