Ungrounded electrical outlets are a major safety hazard. Luckily they are not very common and will more often be found in older homes. Ungrounded outlets are dangerous and not up to current electrical codes. When an ungrounded outlet is found in the home, it will need to be corrected immediately to ensure the home’s electrical safety. Simon Electric will share what an ungrounded outlet is, why they are dangerous, and how to detect an ungrounded outlet in your home.
How to Identify an Ungrounded Electrical Outlet
Detecting ungrounded outlets is simple. You may have seen a lot of them and didn’t even realize it. An ungrounded outlet is an older outlet that has only two prong plugs. Low voltage devices typically only use two prongs which is the ungrounded outlet’s original purpose. However, ungrounded outlets were later found to be dangerous. Modern outlets all use three pronged outlets. The center prong is the ground connection. If you have an outlet with only two prongs then it is an ungrounded outlet and as stated, can be very dangerous.
Risks of Ungrounded Outlets
Two pronged outlets are dangerous because they do not have or are connected to the ground wiring system where excess energy goes to safely disperse. Ground wiring systems are essentially the home’s electrical safety system. When energy builds up it will discharge. The excess energy will travel through the circuit looking for a place to disperse. Without the ground, the excess energy can build up or overload which can cause the wires to heat up and cause a fire or disperse somewhere else through the circuit. This can cause a large enough spark to cause a fire or electrocution. In the past, electrical energy overloads would disperse if a person made contact with the circuit. For example if a person plugged an electrical device into an outlet with a lot of built up energy, it could disperse into the person, which has proven fatal. If not electrocuting people, overloads often can lead to fire and many house fires were and are due to ungrounded outlets or faulty electrical wiring.
Are Two Prong Outlets Up to Code?
Ungrounded outlets were commonly used throughout the 60’s and 70’s. Due to the potential dangers they pose, they are no longer used and homes with an ungrounded system is not considered up to code. When ungrounded outlets are discovered they are often removed and replaced with modern outlets. In most cases, as long as the wiring is still in good condition, replacing ungrounded outlets are easy and can be done quickly. If you are living in an older home and you notice you have an outlet with only two prongs, then you have an ungrounded outlet in your home.
Residential, Commercial & Marine Electrical Wiring Work & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
When you have ungrounded outlets in your home consider seeking the aid of a professional electrical service. They can come and replace your older outlets with modern outlets that are essential in upgrading your home’s electrical system. While they are there, also consider having your entire home’s electrical system inspected. The presence of ungrounded outlets could suggest that the entire electrical system hasn’t been upgraded. If you need you home’s wiring upgraded, inspected or repaired, Simon Electric can help. For all of your residential, marine, and commercial electrical needs, contact Simon Electric and schedule our services today.
