Great Changing 2 Prong Outlet To 3
Do not touch the sides of the outlet until you test for power.
Changing 2 prong outlet to 3. Step 3 carefully pull the outlet out of the box using the top and bottom tabs. Here s what you need to know and do for 2 prong plug replacement. Adding in a ground wire to upgrade to a 3 prong outlet.
Builders now install three prong outlets and most landlords have switched 2 prong to 3 prong outlets. Still it may happen that you move into an older home with one or a few 2 prong outlets. Converting a two prong outlet to an ungrounded three prong gfci protects you from electric shock.
Adding a ground wire must be done by a professional and each two prong outlet needs to be updated separately. If that s the case you need to know how to ground an outlet or make the replacement. This is the safest options and requires running a ground wire from the main electrical panel to the specific outlet.
Remove the outlet s cover plate and unscrew the two screws that secure the outlet to the box. If your home has multiple two prong outlets 2 upgrade options include. Simply adding an outlet with an additional prong will give you added appliance access but it will not give you the safety that grounding provides.
Two prong outlets have no ground wire without which the risk of electrocution and appliance damage is substantial. However a ungrounded three prong gfci will not provide the. Yet it is possible to retrofit a new three prong or gfci receptacle into the same outlet box without any rewiring as long as the box itself is grounded.