Simple Changing A 2 Prong Outlet To A 3 Prong

Install a gfci at the outlet.

Changing a 2 prong outlet to a 3 prong. Old fashioned two prong receptacles also known as outlets connected to two wire cables don t have the ground wires that protect people and electrical devices in case of a fault. Should you change a two prong to a three prong outlet with no ground wire. Yet it is possible to retrofit a new three prong or gfci receptacle into the same outlet box without any rewiring as long as the box itself is grounded.

Any tool or appliance that came with a two prong plug was designed to not need a ground usually by double insulating it putting the electrical bits in a plastic housing. While a gfci will not protect your electronics from power surges it will protect you from electrocution and short circuits. You might still have grounded wire even if your house is pre63.

Two options for upgrading a two prong outlet. If the box is grounded you can install a three prong outlet and ground it by attaching it to the armored or bx cable in the back of the box. If your home has multiple two prong outlets 2 upgrade options include.

How to change a 2 prong electrical outlet to a 3 prong by dave donovan hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. This is the safest options and requires running a ground wire from the main electrical panel to the specific outlet. But this meant i was able to switch to 3 prong without rewiring the house.

Changing and replacing outlets 2 prong to 3 prong outlet can certainly be done but it does take some preparation and know how. Ensure first that you have armored cable with a metal strip inside the armored cable this was done to improve its grounding capability. If you are unsure of how to run a new.

Two prong outlets have no ground wire without which the risk of electrocution and appliance damage is substantial. I was lucky my house was built in 1963 the first year that required wiring have a ground. Simply adding an outlet with an additional prong will give you added appliance access but it will not give you the safety that grounding provides.