Any safety concerns replacing 2-wire outlets with 3-wire without running new wire?

Question

I have mostly 2 wire outlets in my house (60+ year old house) Want to replace with 3 wire but don't want to run new wire. Are there any safety concerns by simply replacing these outlets?

Answer 1

The national electrical code allows for three options in this instance.

option 1. non grounding recepticles can be replaced with non grounding recepticles

option 2. non grounding recepticles can be replaces with GFCI's and marked "no equipment ground" and no equipment grounding conductor will be connected from the GFCI to any other device.

option 3. non grounding receptacles can be replaced with grounding type recepticles that are fed thru a GFCI and are marked "no equipment ground". no equipment ground shall be installed between the new devices.

your local authority having jurisdiction may also have rules regarding this practice. call your local building department for more information.

Answer 2

Really the only difference between the two is that you will obviously be able to plug in a three pronged plug where you couldn't before. Because you don't have a ground wire, the three prong, functionally, is no different, and therefore poses no advantage over the two prong from a grounding standpoint, so at the very least, you're no worse off then you were before. The most important thing to watch for, other than making sure you put the wires one the appropriate terminals, is the condition of the wire itself. If your house is 60+ years old, the wire sheathing may rapidly deteriorate or crack as you are bending the wire around to install the new plug. Just pay close attention to this and use electric tape to wrap any bare exposed wire. If this is the case I would suggest only changing out the ones that you really need to and leaving the rest alone. And remember that changing that plug is NOT going to give whatever you are plugging in any added protection from lightening or surges in any way, so if your objective is to try to protect expensive electronic equipment, you will need to run a new wire with a ground, and even then a surge protector is highly recomended.

Answer 3

According to the National Electric Code, You are legally only permitted to replace "two prong receptacles" with "two prong receptacles" The only code that allows you to lable something as no equipment ground is when you replace a standard outlet with a GFCI in a two wire residental system. You should just go purchase the two prong receptacles instead of making the other ones work. If you ever go to sell your home, and you have three prong outlets installed on a two wire system, the home inspector will write them up, and it could have potental buyers questioning the condition of the electrical system. You can buy replacement two prong outlets at nearly any electrical supply store.

Answer 4

I'm actully pretty surprised at this thread thing, uassly what people say is so far off it really bothers me people have the balls to say it. But it seems most people are beating around the bush, to be blunt - you are going to get in over your head. The wire is so old, it will most likely snap when you try and do anything with it, then you will only have an inch or two of wire, which is very very hard to work with, I hate to say it, but deal with it, or be ready to spend $$$ to get it done right.

Answer 5

The only concern is that the outlets still, as they always have been, ungrounded by the third wire. Other than that its fine. Certain appliances will not be grounded and they may give of low levels of electrical shock. If you have the resources you should get some new wire. The old wire in general may be faulty in other ways you and I cant see. Good luck.

Answer 6

go with freakboy.
what he gave you is code
a 60 year old house probably needs to be rewire.someone said bx cable being a ground (very dangerous) the resistance in bx shield is very high and voltage to the shield of bx has and could start a fire before tripping a fuse or breaker.you should check fuse and breaker size plugs and light circuits 15 or 20 amp not 30's as I find in most older homes
I realize the cost and damage that is involved in a rewire ,but think for a minute the loads now vs 60 years ago.Usually kitchen,bath & laundry room.
What ever you decide please be safe

Answer 7

I would advise against such a project.
1. Unless your existing wire is in Shielded Cable, 'BX` and steel boxes, you will have no grounding path to connect to the third terminal. This is a safety issue for anyone who might not know that the 'apparently safe` outlet is not.
Some modern solid state equipment relies on that ground for proper operation.

2. Old wire insulation is likely to be dryed out and brittle. OK in place but if it flakes off when you disturb it to do the rewiring you just might have to rewire the circuit in question.

Answer 8

okay yes you can do it

but only if it is your house and you are not planning to sell it

you as the homeowner can use any style outlet you choose

but if you want to sell the place ... any three pronged outlet would require a third wire for the ground


and any three pronged outlet that is installed without the third wire need only be marked with a simple sticker you can get at the hardware store that says "Not Grounded" for use in your own home

in this new era of everything coming with a ground prong ...go ahead change em all and get the stickers ... be careful

Answer 9

one problen you probably have is the old wire is the cloth insulated wire and it does not have a ground wire. You would need to rewire the house.
You need three wire or what is known as two wire & cround. Even so your electric panel would have to be properly grounded so You would need an electrician to do this.

Answer 10

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Have a nice day