ECN Forum Forums Safety Discussion and News Safety News and Product Recalls 2 Prong? Outlets

I just purchased a house and had a regular inspection done without an electrical expert. Now that I have moved in, discovered that all the OUTLETS are 2 prong? and none are 3. Been advised by a friend that this is dangerous and need to get 3 prong installation so that the electrical circuits are grounded?? I'm don't know what this means. I also would like to know how much something like this would cost as I live in a small 2 bedroom house. Would like to know if this is neccessary. Also would like to know if this is against any electrical code violations of the seller who sold me this house.

>this is dangerous and need to get 3 prong installation so that the electrical circuits are grounded??
If you want to plug in anything that is three prong, yes, absolutely.

>I also would like to know how much something like this would cost as I live in a small 2 bedroom house.
The wiring probably needs to be replaced.

>Would like to know if this is necessary.
Yes. You may also consider using GFCI receptacles and test them monthly. You should also get GFCI receptacles in your kitchen, bath, and laundry for your own protection.

You need an electrician to look for other problems such as undersized wiring, reversed polarity, and oversized OCPDs.

>would like to know if this is against any electrical code violations of the seller who sold me this house
That is not likely.

linda,
there are ways of making older wiring *safe* without rewiring your entire home.

Just because the receptacles are 2 prong doesn't necessarily mean that a ground is not available inside the outlet box. Have an electrician check them out. If a ground is available and is of sufficient length, you could probably have them replaced for $15-25.00 each(depending on how many) plus a minimum standard service fee.

linda,

Two-prong outlets are not inherently dangerous. Most appliances and lamps that you're going to use in a house are double-insulated and use two-prong plugs. No need in most cases for a three-prong outlet. But Dspark is right, if have an appliance or tool with a three-prong cord, you need a three-prong outlet. The adapters that let you plug a 3-prong plug into a 2-prong outlet are dangerous.

If in your day-to-day routine, any circuit breakers trip or fuses blow, then get an electrician to upgrade the circuit that's inadequate. And that might mean upgrading the fusebox or breaker panel. But not necessarily.

And do have the outlets in the kitchen and bathroom replaced with GFIs, THese do not need a ground wire to work. The GFIs will provide a margin of safety against a malfunctioning appliance or cord.

Good luck with the housse.