ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Outlet Question

Hello, I'm new to this board. I hope I'm posting in the right topic area. Anyway, my question is..I live in a 50 year old house. Most of the outlets are two pronged..or have two holes(sorry,I don't know the technical term..I'm a novice) I was wondering if I should replace those outlets with the three pronged type? Thanks

[This message has been edited by wrmach (edited 06-27-2003).]

Unless you have an equipment ground available in the box, no. There are a couple of workarounds, but one is potentially time consuming & the other will not provide you with an equipment ground for that third hole.

If you have a specific appliance or other equipment that has a 3 prong plug, it might be easiest to run a new circuit for that equipment.

Keep in mind that some electronic equipment relies on that third hole being grounded so that its built in protective devices function properly.

If you think that you might want to do your own wiring, get a copy of "Electrical Wiring, Residential" by Ray C. Mullin and "Old Electrical Wiring" by David L. Shapiro.

Thanks Tom for the advice. I do have some equipment that I need the third grounding hole for. I'm building a small music studio in a room in my house. I will probably need to run a new circuit for that. I will look for that book..thanks

How are your branch circuits wired...raceway (conduit), BX, or Romex (NM/C)?

Another good book is Practical Electrical Wiring by Hartnell and Richter. Depending on the Electrical Code requirements for your area, you can get a new one (2002 NEC) for around $60.00, or a used one (1996 or 1999 NEC) for less than that.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...15/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/104-9870271-4171128

[This message has been edited by DougW (edited 06-30-2003).]