Replacing ungrounded outlets is an important electrical project that homeowners may need to undertake. Ungrounded outlets lack a ground wire connection which is vital for safety. Upgrading to grounded outlets brings your wiring up to modern safety standards.
While it is possible for many homeowners to replace ungrounded outlets, caution must be taken. Improper electrical work can lead to fires, shocks, and electrocution. Homeowners should understand electrical codes, use safe procedures, and determine if professional help is needed before attempting this project.
Page Contents
What is an ungrounded outlet?
An ungrounded outlet, also known as a two-prong outlet, lacks a ground wire connection. Electricity flows through a hot and a neutral wire. The hot wire carries 120 volts of electricity from the electrical panel to the outlet. The neutral wire returns current back to the panel.
The ground wire provides a safe path for electricity to flow to the ground in the event of a short circuit or other issue. If a faulty appliance plugged into an ungrounded outlet develops a short, there would be no ground wire to prevent a shock if someone touched the appliance.
Ungrounded outlets were common in homes built before the 1960s. At that time, electrical codes did not require wall outlets to be grounded. While these outlets may have been up to code when installed, they are now considered unsafe and should be upgraded.
Signs of an ungrounded outlet
There are a few signs that indicate an outlet may be ungrounded:
– The outlet has only two slots to accept a two-prong plug. Modern grounded outlets have three slots.
– The outlet does not have holes on the sides for attaching a ground wire.
– Older homes, especially those built before 1960, often have ungrounded wiring.
– Three-prong appliances or electronics frequently pop the circuit breaker or stop working when plugged into the outlet. This indicates the circuit lacks proper grounding.
The only way to be sure an outlet is not grounded is to remove it from the wall and check that there is no ground wire attached. Homeowners uncomfortable working with electrical wiring may want to hire an electrician to identify ungrounded outlets.
Is it safe to use ungrounded outlets?
Ungrounded outlets are considered unsafe by today’s electrical standards, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them. Millions of older homes still rely on ungrounded outlets. However, it’s wise to take precautions:
– Don’t overload the outlet with high-wattage appliances like space heaters, air conditioners, or refrigerators. The outlet may overheat.
– Only plug in appliances with two-prong plugs. Never remove the ground pin from a three-prong plug to force it to fit. This bypasses the appliance’s ground connection, putting you at risk of shocks.
– Use a GFCI outlet or outlet tester to monitor for faulty wiring. GFCI outlets provide extra protection by cutting power if an electrical fault is detected.
– Have the wiring evaluated by an electrician. Upgrading the entire electrical system should be considered if possible.
While these precautions reduce risks, having ungrounded outlets is like driving a car with bad brakes. It may seem safe under regular conditions, but you’re at risk in an emergency. Replacing ungrounded outlets should be a top priority for any homeowner.
Can you replace an ungrounded outlet?
Homeowners have a few options for replacing ungrowned outlets:
– Replace the ungrounded outlets with GFCI outlets. GFCI outlets protect against electric shocks even without grounding. They can be installed without any rewiring using the existing electrical boxes.
– Run new wires from the electrical panel and replace ungrounded outlets with modern grounded outlets. This brings the outlets fully up to code but requires opening walls for new wires.
– Use GFCI breakers at the electrical panel paired with three-prong outlets. The GFCI breaker provides shock protection. Code allows the installation of three-prong outlets in this situation, though appliances will not have an actual ground connection.
– In some cases, the electrical box may have an existing ground wire that simply wasn’t attached to the old outlet. If so, a grounded outlet can easily be installed without new wiring.
Let’s look more closely at these options for replacing ungrounded outlets.
Use GFCI outlets
Replacing an ungrounded outlet with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet is the easiest and least expensive option. It can be done safely by homeowners without rewiring.
GFCI outlets constantly monitor electricity flowing in and out of the outlet. If there is even a small mismatch, the GFCI immediately cuts power preventing serious shocks.
While you must still use two-prong plugs, GFCI outlets provide protection that can be equivalent to grounded outlets in many cases. However, GFCI only protects against shocks. It does not provide the other benefits of appliance grounding like dealing with surge damage.
GFCI outlets have a “test” and “reset” button on them allowing you to confirm they are working properly. They should be tested regularly.
Rewire with grounded outlets
The best way to fully update wiring is to run new wires from the electrical panel to the outlets. This allows installing modern grounded outlets with three prongs.
Updating wiring requires the following steps:
1. Turn off power to the circuit at the main electrical panel. Use a contact voltage tester to be sure power is off.
2. Remove the existing outlet from the electrical box. Inspect inside the box for any ground wires that may be present but not attached to the outlet.
3. Run 12/2 or 14/2 NM electrical cable from the service panel to the outlet box. Two-conductor cable has a black (hot), white (neutral), and bare copper ground wire. The ground wire is essential.
4. Secure the new cable by drilling holes in framing studs. Use cable staples, anchors, or metal straps to attach the cable.
5. Connect the wires securely using wire nuts. Attach the ground wire to the green screw or clips on the new grounded outlet.
6. Install the new grounded outlet in the box and attach the cover plate.
7. Turn power back on and test that the outlet is correctly grounded using a circuit tester.
This project often requires cutting holes in drywall and/or running wires through finished walls and ceilings. The difficulty and renovation required depend on access to wall cavities and the home’s construction. Hiring an electrician is recommended if you lack experience with rewiring projects.
GFCI breaker with three-prong outlets
If rewiring proves too difficult, there is an alternative that may still allow installing three-prong outlets. This involves:
1. Install a GFCI breaker in the main service panel for the circuit with ungrounded outlets.
2. Verify that the electrical boxes are properly grounded. They should have a ground wire connected to the box or conduit grounds.
3. Replace the ungrounded outlets with new three-prong outlets.
The GFCI breaker provides protection against shocks. The National Electrical Code allows installing three-prong outlets on these circuits as long as the outlets are labeled “GFCI Protected” and “No Equipment Ground”. Appliances will still only have two-wire connections. But this does allow using three-prong plugs.
One last option is to check for existing ground wires that simply weren’t attached. Open each outlet box and look inside for a bare copper ground wire. clamped to the metal box. If so, you can install a grounded outlet without any new wiring.
First disconnect power to the circuit. Then remove the outlet from the box and use a multimeter to check for continuity between the box and any ground wires. If the grounding is intact, attach the ground wire to the new outlet. If any boxes lack ground wires, new wiring is still needed for those locations.
Dangers of ungrounded outlets
Ungrounded outlets pose several dangers that should be addressed immediately:
Risk of electric shock – Without proper grounding, a person can receive an electric shock by touching an exposed wire or faulty appliance. GFCIs help prevent serious shocks by cutting power.
Fire hazard – Electrical shorts and sparks can more easily start fires when an outlet lacks grounding. Fires annually are attributed to faulty wiring.
Appliance damage – Surges of electricity can damage sensitive electronics and appliances without a ground wire to absorb excess current.
Reliability issues – Grounded circuits tend to provide more consistent power. Electronics may malfunction or stop working if plugged into an ungrounded outlet.
Replacing ungrounded outlets should be at the top of any homeowner’s to-do list for electrical safety. An investment in rewiring or GFCI outlets can prevent injuries, fire, and damaged belongings.
Signs you need an electrician
While some homeowners are comfortable replacing outlets, it’s also smart to recognize when professional help is needed. Contact a licensed electrician if:
– You open the outlet box and find unusual or complicated wiring you don’t understand.
– There are no existing ground wires in outlet boxes or running to the electrical panel.
– The home still has knob and tube wiring, which will require complete rewiring.
– You lack experience working with electrical systems and tools like a voltmeter.
– Electrical work requires cutting into walls, ceilings, or floors that you prefer not to DIY.
– Local permitting and inspection requirements for electrical work must be met.
Professional installation gives peace of mind that outlets are upgraded to current safety standards. Homeowners insurance may also require an electrician’s invoice documenting any electrical upgrades.
Replacing ungrounded outlets: Step-by-step
If you decide to replace an ungrounded outlet yourself, follow these safe procedures:
### Turn off power
Switch off the circuit breaker feeding power to the outlet at the main electrical panel. Double-check wires with a non-contact voltage tester to be sure. Consider turning off the main breaker for maximum safety when working.
### Remove old outlet
Take the cover plate off the outlet. Unscrew the outlet from the electrical box and pull it out. Inspect the box for any sign of ground wires, conduits, or metal shielding.
### Evaluate options
Determine the best option for new grounding based on existing wiring and ground connections. You may be able to do a simple swap with a GFCI outlet, or a major rewiring project may be required.
### Update electrical boxes
If replacing wiring, drill new holes and run cables through studs. Use clamps and straps to securely anchor wires. Leave 6 to 8 inches of extra cable at the box. Remove insulation with wire strippers.
### Connect wires
Connect like-colored wires together securely with wire nuts: white to white, black to black. Connect ground wires to the green screw or clips on outlets and boxes. Use twist-on connectors for multiple ground wires.
### Install new outlet
Match hot and neutral wires to the brass and silver screws on the new outlet. The ground wire goes to the green screw. Push wires into the box and screw the outlet in securely.
### Test and finish
Turn the power back on. Use a circuit tester at outlets to confirm proper grounding. Affix outlet cover plates. Consider labeling any 3-prong outlets on a GFCI circuit as “No Equipment Ground”.
Cost to replace an ungrounded outlet
The cost to replace an ungrounded outlet ranges from about $5 to $200 depending on the scope of work:
– $5 to $20 for a basic outlet swap to GFCI.
– $10 to $30 per outlet for replacement with grounded outlet on an existing ground wire.
– $100 to $200 per outlet to rewire and install new grounded outlet.
– $50 to $100 for an electrician to install GFCI breaker plus new three-prong outlets.
Many homeowners hire electricians to replace all ungrounded outlets in their home at once. This may cost $1000 to $3000 or more for a whole house electrical upgrade.
Getting all outlets fully up to code often pays off when selling a home or applying for homeowners insurance.
FAQs about ungrounded outlets
Are ungrounded outlets illegal?
Ungrounded outlets are no longer to code, but they are not explicitly illegal. However, safety issues and insurance requirements often make upgrades necessary. Some areas may prohibit renting a home with ungrounded outlets.
Can I ground an outlet without rewiring?
In some cases, it’s possible to ground an outlet on an existing ground wire in the electrical box without new wires. You can also install GFCI outlets or a GFCI breaker without rewiring. Rewiring may still be needed for full grounding.
Is it OK to use a grounded outlet with no ground wire?
No, connecting a grounded outlet directly to ungrounded wiring is dangerous. This bypasses the outlet’s ground connection, providing no safety benefit while posing a shock risk if someone assumes the outlet is actually grounded.
Can I switch ungrounded to grounded outlets myself?
Homeowners comfortable working with electrical systems can replace outlets following proper safety precautions. Most localities allow homeowners to do their own electrical work but may require permits and inspections.
Do ungrounded outlets need GFCI?
The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection on most outlets that are not grounded. Installing GFCI outlets or breakers is the simplest option to upgrade ungrounded wiring.
Conclusion
Replacing ungrounded outlets is an essential upgrade to bring your electrical system up to modern safety standards. While hiring an electrician is often advised, the project can usually be DIYed by homeowners who are knowledgeable about electrical work.
The simplest option is swapping in GFCI outlets using the existing boxes and wires. For full grounding, new wires must be run from the panel to outlets. Junction boxes should also be checked for unused ground wires.
Always exercise caution when working with electrical wiring and outlets. Turn power off, call in an expert if needed, and don’t take risks. Investing in your home’s electrical safety will pay dividends for many years to come.