Two Prong Outlets are not up to Code.
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Are there any old two-prong outlets in your home?There are two wires running through them: a hot wire and a neutral wire.Two prong outlets are not grounded, which can cause a power surge through sensitive electronics, and leave you without protection from stray currents.
There is a third wire that gives energy surge somewhere other than into your body or electrical equipment.If you live in a home built before the 1960s and haven't addressed the wiring, chances are you still have two-prong outlets in your home.
The National Electrical Code allows you to replace an existing two-prong outlet with another one if there is no grounding wire in the circuit.If you choose not to upgrade, you will not be breaking any codes.
There is a reason modern sensitive electronics come with three prongs.You need a three-prong outlet to plug in computers, TVs, window air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, and other electronics.The outlets in your kitchen should be three-prong.
Maybe you think plugging devices into a surge protector is the way to go, since you can use a cheater to fit the old fashioned outlet.This doesn't do you any good.Surge protectors don't benefit from the fact that two prong outlets have no ground.
It isn't enough to swap out two prong outlets for three.This creates an appliance and electrical hazard.
It's possible to replace an existing two-prong outlet with one that doesn't break electrical codes.This is the riskier option since it leaves you vulnerable.
The solution is to upgrade your outlets to a ground fault circuit interrupter.If the outlet is installed above the floor or below the ground, it must be labeled as "GFCI protected" and "no equipment ground" according to the National Electrical Code.
The outlet box may need to be replaced.This option doesn't provide ground protection for sensitive electronics because a GFCI installed in this way is not grounded.
A ground wire is the same as a metal box attached to an armored cable.This can be used to ground the receptacle.
Attach a circuit tester to a grounded box.Touch the other prong to the cover plate screw and insert one into the shorter hot slot.The box is grounded if the circuit tester lights up.An electrician can cheaply ground the receptacle.
If a circuit test shows that the box isn't grounded, you can hire an electrician to wire the panel with a three-wire circuit.The best way to make sure your family and electronics are protected from stray currents is to use this method.
If you need help with safety and electrical code compliance, please contact Mr. Electric®.
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