A two-prong outlet is a common household item that you might not think twice about. But, there’s more to these outlets than meets the eye! Residential electricians often replace them with three-prong outlets for safety reasons. If you want to know how electricians go about replacing a two-prong outlet with a three-prong outlet, then keep reading this blog post!
Why do electricians replace two-prong outlets with three prongs?
Electricians often replace two-prong outlets with three-prong outlets as a way to increase the safety of these receptacles. In addition, electric service experts recommend replacing all two-prong plugs with three-prong plugs to reduce the possibility that someone will accidentally come into contact with an electrified wire, leading to death or injury.
One reason electricians will replace your two-slot receptacle with a new three-slot one is if it’s older than 15 years old. Electricians also might recommend replacing two-slot receptacles if you have a pet that chews on cords or is often near your outlets when you’re cooking; many people use extension cords, which can lead to electric outlet fires and shock hazards.
What is a three-prong outlet?
A three-prong outlet is a standard electrical wiring configuration for connecting to an AC circuit. A plug with two or more prongs can be inserted into this type of outlet, but the third slot remains unconnected and will not work correctly without further installation. Therefore, electricians must install a ground fault interrupter (GFI) to connect that final wire safely before it may be used.
On the other hand, a two-prong outlet is an older, obsolete type of electrical wiring configuration. It has slots that can be used to plug in a device and not work with GFI devices. Electricians must replace the old installation entirely before installing three prongs to avoid any safety hazards or damage from overheating equipment.
Should you upgrade a two-prong outlet with no ground wire to a three-prong outlet?
Electrical experts say that most two-prong outlets in homes need to be replaced with three-prong outlets. This is because there’s no ground wire, which leaves home vulnerable during a power surge/outage. Electricians are often called out and given the task of replacing a two-prong outlet with a three-prong outlet as soon as they find one!
Electric service professionals recommend installing grounded circuits for more protection against electric shock hazards or other electrical problems. Grounded circuits include grounding wires running from every wall switch to an appropriate earth ground such as a water pipe or metal stake driven into moist soil outside your house (according to NEC 250). Without this grounding wire connection between all switches and receptacles, the ground wire in the receptacle is useless.
Non-grounded three-prong outlets
Electricians can also install a non-grounded three-prong outlet with no ground wire and is only used for appliances designed to be plugged in there. However, this option should not replace the two or more prongs most commonly found in residential homes because it does not offer grounding protection from electrical shorts.
What’s wrong with using an adapter?
An adapter might allow you to plug your appliance into one of the slots on a standard two-slot wall socket, but they will never provide reliable power if supplied by an extension cord or another modified circuit. They may also cause damage to sensitive equipment such as computers and printers over time due to voltage fluctuations caused by poor power quality. A better solution would be to have a qualified electrician replace your two-prong outlet with a three-prong outlet.
How Electricians Install a Three-Prong GFCI Outlet
Professional electricians can replace two-prong outlets with three-prong GFCI plugs without adding a new ground wire to the electrical panel. And here’s how they do it:
- Once the electrician arrived, they will then inspect your electrical system with two-prong outlets.
- At the service panel, the power to the outlet being replaced will be switched off. This can easily be confirmed using a multimeter, which is then connected on either side of both wires leading from the outlet to measure voltage and amperage.
- The cover plate screw and cover, as well as the two screws holding the old receptacle in the box, will be removed.
- The old outlet will be removed with care to avoid damaging the original wiring. Then, to gain access to the wires, it will be gradually expanded. And then the old outlet will get disconnected.
- Because some older boxes are tight, the new GFCI must be tested by gently pushing the wires back and making sure the new box fits. A new, larger electrical box will be utilized if it does not fit.
- If the wires are too short for a project, there is an easy solution. They simply add extension cables called pigtails to lengthen them and keep everything safe with a wire that matches your circuit amperage: A 15 amp circuit would use 14 gauge wiring; 20 amps would require 12 gauge wiring.
- If the wires are long enough, the electrician will do a quick inspection to determine which of the GFCI’s terminal screws are line terminals. The electrician will need to know where the “line” of power is coming from in order to make sure it’s safe. They should be marked with either black or silver on top, and then carefully connect the wires. The black wire goes to the brass terminal screw; the white wire connects to the silver terminal screw.
- The wires will be neatly wrapped and folded back into the box, ensuring that they are pressed tightly against the new outlet so that it doesn’t get damaged.
- To secure the box, it will be fastened in place. It will be anchored with screws to ensure it does not move.
- The electrician will then test the new outlet by resetting it and pushing the reset button to turn it on and the test button for shutting off. Additionally, the cover plate will be mounted with a NO GROUND label for safety reasons.
Ready to upgrade your two-prong outlets to three-prong outlets? Call us!
Foster Electric is the best electrician in Chattanooga. We offer quality work at an affordable price, and we’re always on time. Plus, our technicians are all licensed professionals who will make sure your home or business is safe and up to code with every installation.
We specialize in upgrading homes from outdated two-prong outlets to three-prong outlets. We offer competitive rates that are sure to fit any budget. And our work is guaranteed! So you won’t have to worry about any of that when you contact us! Foster Electric will come out to your property, assess the situation, give you a quote, and then get started right away. All it takes is one phone call from you today!
