For Your Safety, Change 2-Prong Outlets with 3 Prong Outlets

In 1962, building codes were modified across the country to require new construction contractors to install 3 prong outlets as a safety feature. If your home was built before 1962, you might still have 2-prong outlets; they are a safety hazard and should be replaced. How can you tell whether you have 2 or 3 prong outlets? Consider the emojis: a 3 prong outlet has a face of surprise, while a 2-prong outlet has a blank stare.

Why do I need an upgrade?

The 3 prong outlet has an extra wire that serves to ground the outlet, while 2-prong outlets do not. Why do you need the extra ground wire?

• Safety features are put in place “just in case” something goes wrong. A proactive approach is the only way to prevent damage or harm when something does go wrong.
• During normal operations, two wires connect with a tool or appliance, creating a circuit. In simplified terms, one wire brings electricity from the main service panel—we call that the hot wire. Another wire takes the electricity back to the main service panel—we call that the neutral wire. Under normal operational use, 120 volts of electricity are available at each outlet plug.
• All is good in the world unless something goes wrong. What can go wrong? Here are three examples:
  • A power surge can flow through the main service panel and to the outlet. This happens too quickly for anyone to respond.
  • An appliance or light might short circuit, sending extra electricity back to the outlet.
  • Without thinking, you may plug in more tools than the outlet can handle, overloading the outlet.

When these, or a myriad of other things happen, the extra energy will need to go somewhere. An overloaded outlet can get too hot and scorch the outlet or melt wiring. The extra electricity may exit the outlet and start a fire or worse, shock/electrocute someone.

The Safety Feature

The extra prong is a safety feature–a third wire that can channel any extra electricity back to the service panel and out into the power grid. The process may or may not trip the circuit breaker at the main service panel. It will prevent harm or damage that might result from escaping the electrical system.

If you have 2-prong outlets, you are probably relying on many 2-prong adapters, that allow you to plug 3 prong appliances into 2-prong outlets. This should be a short-term solution. The new appliances are designed to be safe, but the 2-prong adapter takes the safety feature away.

What can be done?

In most applications, a home with 2-prong outlets will have wiring with only 2 wires. An electrician can inspect to make sure. If your older home, built before 1962, has older wiring, an electrician will need to replace it with the safer, 3 wire type. The extra wire connects to the ground portion at each outlet to keep your home safe.

Another option is the installation of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) at each outlet. However, this is a short-term fix and will also need to be completed by an electrician.

Call Air Pro Electric for an inspection and consultation today.

Need Help Converting to 3 Prong Outlets

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with 3 Prong Outlets installations in your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.