DIY Home Improvement Forum banner

Replace 2 prong outlets with 3 prong outlets

6K views 27 replies 13 participants last post by  frenchelectrican 
#1 ·
We would like to replace some of the 2 prong outlets in our older home with 3 prong outlets without rewiring is this possible and how.
 
#2 ·
Short answer - yes.

Do you have a grounding means in the box? If not, you can replace with 3 prong receptacles only if they are GFCI protected, either by a breaker or a GFCI receptacle. They must also be labeled "No Equipment Ground"
 
#5 ·
If he is referring to connecting the ground terminal on the receptacle to the white wire, please tell him that is dangerous.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Connecting the ground terminal to the neutral (white wire) is not permitted.

One GFCI receptacle unit can protect a group of receptacles downstream where the neutral is not shared by two subcircuits (usually with red and black hot wires) connected to opposite sides of the 120/240 volt system.
 
#7 ·
He said something about putting a white wire with something else.
Do NOT let him anywhere near the electrical system. People like this are just dangerous. Bootlegging a ground from the neutral is one of the most deadly things you can do. All it takes is an open neutral and you end up with all kinds of things being electrified and killing people.

GFCI protection is all you need. Make him call someone.
 
#13 ·
We had all our old receptacles updated last year utilizing GFCI up stream where needed. In the end it was 20 or so receptacles and had it done by a licensed electrical contractor and the total cost was a little over $300. It is well worth the headache not to mention your life to have a professional do it for so little money.
 
#15 ·
Wildie the primary benefit is that if the chassis becomes energized, then as soon as someone touches it, the GFCI will trip. They will get a little bite for a few milliseconds.

A real ground would operate the circuit breaker as soon as the chassis became energized. No one need touch it.

In the case of an intermittent ground fault, with ground, the CB would trip as soon as the first solid fault. With the GFCI and no ground, this condition could exist for years.

These differences exist even with your kitchen toaster.
 
#17 ·
Wildie the primary benefit is that if the chassis becomes energized, then as soon as someone touches it, the GFCI will trip. They will get a little bite for a few milliseconds.

A real ground would operate the circuit breaker as soon as the chassis became energized. No one need touch it.

In the case of an intermittent ground fault, with ground, the CB would trip as soon as the first solid fault. With the GFCI and no ground, this condition could exist for years.

These differences exist even with your kitchen toaster.
What happens in the meantime, before its a solid fault?
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top