You are likely going to running out of outlet real estate for appliances and electronics when your older home features more 2 prong outlets than 3-prong outlets. The main reason two prong outlets are considered outdated and dangerous is due to their lack of grounding. Today, we at Simon Electric would like to discuss this dilemma.
3 Prong Access Solution
Old-fashioned two prong receptacles that are connected to two wire cables don’t have the ground wires that protect electrical devices and people in the event of a fault. As long as the outlet box is grounded, a professional electrician like Simon Electric can retrofit a new three prong or GFCI receptacle into the same outlet box without any rewiring. This option offers a safe solution for homeowners that shy away from rewiring their homes. Upgrading an outlet with an additional prong will give added appliance access.
Convert 2 Prong Outlet to 3 Prong GFCI
Converting a 2 prong outlet to a 3 prong GFCI, as opposed to a standard 3 prong, and can decrease the risk of sensitive electronics from becoming fried with voltage fluctuations and protect against shock injury. Serving as an escape route for excess current, these devices are only as good as the ground they are connected to. No matter how much you invest, no ground = no surge protection.
How We Change a 2 Prong Outlet to a Three Prong GFCI
1) At the service panel, we turn off power to the outlet being replaced. With a circuit tester, we confirm that the outlet is off.
2) After removing the cover plate screw and cover, we remove the two screws holding the old receptacle into the box.
3) Gently extending it to give ourselves access to the wires, we pull out the old outlet, being very careful not to crack the old wiring.
4) The old outlet can then be disconnected.
5) By gently pushing the wires back and ensuring the new box will fit (some old boxes are tight), the new GFCI must be test-fitted. A new, larger electrical box will be needed.
6) Using the appropriate wire for the circuit amperage; 15amp = 14 gauge; 20amp = 12 gauge is if the wires aren’t long enough, we add a 4-6” extension. Along with the appropriate wire nuts to add the extensions, we wire one white wire and one black.
7) Next we look at the terminals on the GFCI, identifying the “Line” terminals if the wires are long enough. They are the only ones we will use. We connect the wires as indicated below.
– Black wire to the brass “Line” terminal screw.
– White wire to the silver “Line” terminal screw.
8) Pressing in the new outlet, we gently fold the wires back in the box.
9) We then screw in the box to secure.
10) Pushing reset to turn it on, and the test to shut it off, we test the outlet. We add the no ground sticker after we re-attach the cover plate.
Electrical Wiring, Fixture Installation Services & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
These steps should only be done by someone with a background in electricity. For your safety and long term efficiency, it is in your best interest to call Simon Electric and let our professionals take care of any 2 prong to 3 prong outlet conversions.
