skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

Are there "grounded" or GFCI 2-pronged outlets?

10 years ago

My wife and I recently bought a home that was originally built in 1965. In escrow we made a repair request that all of the 2-pronged outlets be grounded or have GFCI outlets installed. The owner complied, but we quickly noticed that all of the outlets were still 2-pronged outlets. We were provided an invoice for the grounding of these outlets, but I didn't think it was possible for a 2-pronged outlet to be grounded.

Can a 2-pronged outlet be safely grounded or have comparable GFCI protection?

Many thanks!

Comments (3)

greg_2010
10 years ago
Grounding and GFCI protection are two different things.

If the outlets are still 2-prong, then they aren't grounded. But they could be protected by a GFCI breaker or a GFCI outlet that is upstream of the 2-prong outlet.
phoenixnik
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you very much for your reply!

I know that grounding is ideal, but would the use of a GFCI breaker or an upstream GFCI outlet still be safe?
Related Professionals
Banning General Contractors · Gloucester City General Contractors · Monroe General Contractors · Montclair General Contractors · Oxon Hill General Contractors · Torrington General Contractors · Millbury Handyman · New Canaan Solar Energy Systems · South Whittier Home Automation & Home Media · Alexandria Home Automation & Home Media · Massapequa Home Automation & Home Media · Miami Springs Home Automation & Home Media · Pittsburgh Home Automation & Home Media · Pittsburgh Home Automation & Home Media · Wellesley Home Automation & Home Media
bus_driver
10 years ago
The GFCI makes the system "safer". "Safe" does not exist.
The safety functions of grounding and the GFCI overlap to some extent. Grounding does not depend on an electronic device.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Power to the People: Outlets Right Where You Want Them

By Mitchell Parker

No more crawling and craning. With outlets in furniture, drawers and cabinets, access to power has never been easier

REMODELING GUIDES Banish Gizmo Blemishes on Your Walls

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Unsightly switches, vents and outlets can ruin your interior design's clear complexion. Keep the look pure with an architect's tips

LIFE Simple Pleasures: The Joy of Baking

By Laura Gaskill

Fill your house with a heavenly scent and your heart with cheer by making time to bake

CONTRACTOR TIPS Building Permits: 10 Critical Code Requirements for Every Project

By Matt Clawson

In Part 3 of our series examining the building permit process, we highlight 10 code requirements you should never ignore

BATHROOM DESIGN 10 Amenities to Make Your Bathroom Extraordinary

By Ventana Construction LLC

Go beyond the basics for a luxury bathroom experience, with extra-special options starting at only $25

UNIVERSAL DESIGN 12 Must-Haves for Aging in Place

By Affecting Spaces Design Studio

Design a home that will continue to be accessible, safe and stylish as the years go by

BATHROOM DESIGN Should You Get a Recessed or Wall-Mounted Medicine Cabinet?

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Here’s what you need to know to pick the right bathroom medicine cabinet and get it installed

KITCHEN DESIGN Dish-Drying Racks That Don’t Hog Counter Space

By Christine Tusher

Cleverly concealed in cabinets or mounted in or above the sink, these racks cut kitchen cleanup time without creating clutter

BATHROOM DESIGN 10 Living Room Touches to Bring to the Bath

By Lisa Higgins

Go ahead, borrow those bookshelves. Unexpected elements can boost interest and comfort in your bathroom

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Light Your Patio, Extend Your Evening

By Mike Dietrich

Cast a magical spell on a summer night with decorative outdoor lighting as sleek or as rustic as you please

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

Glow effect on portico ceiling

14

South Wire Romex brand 14 -22 Vs Republic Wire Inc brand 14-2 wire?

2

Low Voltage LED lights & Transformer size

4

undercounter power strip and lighting

3

Where to place outlets in primary bathroom?

11