If you live in an older home, chances are the electrical system wasn’t built with modern grounding in mind. Adding a ground wire is a smart upgrade—it protects you from electric shock, prevents damage to appliances, and brings your system closer to today’s safety standards. But can you do it yourself without hiring a professional?
The honest answer is: yes, it’s possible—but only under certain conditions, and only if you have experience with electrical work. Grounding involves more than just running a wire. You may need to connect to the main panel, bond to grounding rods or metal water pipes, and ensure everything meets local code. Mistakes here aren’t just inconvenient—they’re dangerous.
If you’re simply grounding a few outlets or upgrading them to GFCIs, and your local code allows it, a skilled DIYer might handle that. But full-system grounding or panel work should absolutely be left to a licensed electrician. Not only for safety, but also for insurance and inspection purposes.