Thread: 3 pronged outlets that are ungrounded

Older house built in the 50's Obviously they have added three prong outlets where the old two prongers were. Even used TR outlets. No grounds. What is the proper assessment and recommendation. Are ungrounded 3 prong outlets acceptable? I think not. But if so, what is required? An "ungrounded outlet" sticker on each? GFCI's? Love to hear your comments. Thanks in advance

Steve

Ungrounded 3 prong receptacles are allowed under the NEC if provided with GFI protection and labeled "No Equipment Ground".

What was the wiring method?

Originally Posted by Steve C.

Older house built in the 50's Obviously they have added three prong outlets where the old two prongers were. Even used TR outlets. No grounds. What is the proper assessment and recommendation. Are ungrounded 3 prong outlets acceptable? I think not. But if so, what is required? An "ungrounded outlet" sticker on each? GFCI's? Love to hear your comments. Thanks in advance

Steve

Simply say that "many, all or some" (which ever works best) of the electrical wall outlets are ungrounded but newer 3-prong receptacles have been installed for conveniences. You can go on to say that this provides a false sense safety that the outlets are grounded. Then say that all of the ungrounded outlets should be switched back to 2-prong receptacles for increased safety. Or you can also tell them that the outlets need to have a label on them saying they are ungrounded. I prefer telling them to put 2-prong receptacles in..... Just put it in your words or what works for you..

Originally Posted by Steve C.

Older house built in the 50's Obviously they have added three prong outlets where the old two prongers were. Even used TR outlets. No grounds. What is the proper assessment and recommendation. Are ungrounded 3 prong outlets acceptable? I think not. But if so, what is required? An "ungrounded outlet" sticker on each? GFCI's? Love to hear your comments. Thanks in advance

Steve

Grounded outlets (3 prong) that are not grounded should be reported as such.
Nothing more.
Do not recommend how to repair or suggest what to do other than a qualified electrician should make repairs as necessary.

FYI only
An ungrounded wiring system should have ungrounded type receptacles (2 prong), and yes, 2 prong outlets are still available.
GFCI are an acceptable replace for an ungrounded outlet. Keep in mind that many of the older outlet boxes do not have room for a GFCI in the box.

Originally Posted by Jim Port

Ungrounded 3 prong receptacles are allowed under the NEC if provided with GFI protection and labeled "No Equipment Ground".

What was the wiring method?

As others have said, yes this is a problem. Another option to deal with this is to ground the receptacles. In my area most houses build after about 1950 with Romex type wiring have a ground wire. The wire is usually wrapped around the box connector clamp, but it sometimes terminated at a screw in the box.

If they were GFI protected and labeled properly there is no code issue.