Ungrounded Outlets

Let's start off by distinguishing an ungrounded outlet from a grounded outlet.

electrical outlets

Ungrounded outlets are easily identified by their two-slot configuration, whereas newer grounded outlets have two slots with a hole (ground socket) centered beneath them. For the purposes of this article, I will refer to these as UNGROUNDED outlets and GROUNDED outlets.

Older wiring systems did not include a ground wire, so any ungrounded outlets in your home were originally installed this way and were considered acceptable at the time. However, they do present safety concerns. Many ungrounded outlets remain in older homes, but as electrical standards have evolved, grounding is now a requirement in newer homes. While upgrading ungrounded outlets is not typically mandated today, it is highly recommended. A properly wired home provides a much safer living environment for you and your family.

This is where the problems with ungrounded outlets begin...

The problems for owners of older homes arise when two-wire ungrounded outlets are replaced with grounded outlets, but the necessary rewiring to add a ground wire to the new outlets is not completed. Homeowners often replace two-slot ungrounded outlets with grounded outlets to accommodate their three-prong appliances. Since most modern appliance cords use three-prong plugs, it becomes inconvenient for homeowners with ungrounded electrical systems to find outlets that can accommodate these plugs. As a result, they replace the two-slot ungrounded outlets with grounded ones for convenience. However, without upgrading the entire branch circuit that powers the outlet, these new outlets remain ungrounded, still posing a safety risk.

Grounded outlets should not be substituted for ungrounded outlets unless a new grounded wire is installed to the outlet. This requires a licensed electrician to run a new ground wire from the load center to the outlet. However, an exception to this rule is allowed by the National Electrical Code if the outlet is protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).

This brings us to... inexpensive fixes or upgrades

There are affordable solutions for homeowners who don’t want to rewire their entire house. One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to address this issue is by using a GFCI - Ground Fault Circuit interrupter.

GFCIs can be installed in two ways:

1.) A GFCI outlet can replace a standard ungrounded outlet, providing a safer alternative.

2.) A GFCI breaker can be installed at the load center to replace the regular circuit breaker.

The National Electrical Code (N.E.C.) allows GFCIs to replace two-wire ungrounded outlets. However, this might not be the ideal solution, as the round grounding socket on a GFCI outlet could give the false impression that the outlet is properly grounded. To avoid confusion, it’s best to clearly mark these outlets as “NO EQUIPMENT GROUND.”

A GFCI replacement for an ungrounded outlet is a good option in cases where rewiring is expensive or difficult. Instead of having an electrician run new wiring to install grounded outlets, you can rely on the GFCI function to provide personal protection at a more convenient outlet. While it isn't the same as having a fully grounded outlet, it is much safer in most situations. A GFCI outlet will trip (shut down) if there is an imbalance in the current flowing through the neutral side of the electrical wiring. So, if a ground fault occurs and some of the current starts to flow into the casing (toward you), a properly functioning GFCI will automatically trip and stop the current, preventing an electrical shock.

One situation where a GFCI upgrade should not be used is when equipment is connected to a surge protector, such as for your computer. Surge protectors rely on the ground wire to redirect any excess voltage during a surge. If a surge protector is plugged into an ungrounded outlet, it won't function as intended. In the event of a large surge or spike, the surge protector needs the ground wire to safely redirect the excess voltage away from the protected equipment. Without a proper ground wire, the surge protector won't be able to protect your electronics, potentially causing damage. Surge protector manufacturers do offer warranties, but these are only valid if the surge protector is used in a properly grounded outlet.

How to Properly Replace an Ungrounded Outlet with a GFCI Outlet

Safety Comes First If you're confident in your ability to replace the ungrounded outlets yourself, I’ll explain how to complete the project properly without hiring a licensed electrician. However, if you're not comfortable working with electricity or if multiple outlets need upgrading, I highly recommend hiring a licensed electrician to handle the job for you. Your safety is the top priority.

Before starting, make sure the breaker (power) to the ungrounded outlet is turned off. Don’t rely on the markings on your service panel; double-check by plugging in a small appliance and turning it on to confirm the power is off. Once you’re sure the power is off, begin by removing the screws from the outlet cover. Then, remove the screws securing the outlet to the junction box. Gently pull the outlet out and disconnect the two wires. You can dispose of the old outlet and cover, as the old two-prong outlet cover won’t fit the new GFCI, which has a different shape.

Use this opportunity to clean the receptacle box with a shop vacuum before installing the new GFCI outlet. Inspect the wires and tape up any frayed or damaged sections with electrical tape. If the wires are severely deteriorated, you may need to trim them or replace them with new wire.

Next, confirm there’s enough space in the box for the new GFCI outlet. Gently push the wires back into the box and test fit the new outlet. If the GFCI doesn’t fit because there are too many wires or the box is too small, you'll need to have an electrician install a larger junction box. Once you've verified that everything fits, the electrician can complete the installation of your GFCI outlet.

Start the GFCI installation by using needle nose pliers to bend the ends of the two existing wires into a U-shape, so they fit securely under each outlet screw. Newer GFCI outlets, however, often have direct wire inserts that don’t require bending the wires. The wires simply slide into the provided openings.

Attach the black (hot) wire to the brass/gold screw, ensuring it is securely positioned behind the screw head, and tighten it. Next, attach the white (neutral) wire to the silver screw in the same manner and tighten it. Since there is no ground wire at this location, the green grounding screw on the GFCI outlet will remain unused.

Gently fold the wires back into the electrical box and carefully push the GFCI outlet into place, ensuring it sits flush against the box. Once aligned, secure the outlet by installing the top and bottom screws.

upgrading ungrounded outlets

You should not need to force the outlet into place. If you find yourself doing so, gently pull the outlet back out, reorganize the wires, and try again. If you're still struggling to fit the wires inside the box, you may need to trim the wires shorter. Forcing the outlet could damage the wires or cause them to disconnect from their connections.

Once the GFCI outlet is properly seated and secured with the top and bottom screws, you can attach the new GFCI outlet cover. Then, turn the breaker back to the "On" position. Your GFCI outlet should now be installed, providing enhanced safety, though it is still ungrounded.

Remember: This outlet should always be clearly labeled "NO EQUIPMENT GROUND" since the ground connection remains unconnected.

HINT: If your goal is to protect all ungrounded outlets in the home with GFCI protection, it’s not necessary to install a GFCI outlet at every single location. You can use standard ungrounded outlets, but they must be wired through the LOAD side of a GFCI outlet. However, no ground wire will be present, so these outlets should be clearly labeled as "GFCI PROTECTED, NO EQUIPMENT GROUND."

HINT: In many older homes, the outlet mounting box may be grounded from the load center, even though the outlet itself is not grounded. If this is the case, you can use a jumper between the mounting box and the grounding screw on the new grounded outlet. However, be aware that this type of ground may not be adequate for devices like surge protectors.

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