How to Understand Two-Prong Outlets | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House electrician Heath Eastman explains what two-prong receptacles are, why they’re no longer to code, and how to replace them.

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What should a person do with their two-pronged outlet when so many cords have three-prongs? To answer this, Heath has to take a step back and clarify a few things. He goes through the correct terminology of an outlet, a receptacle, and a receptacle outlet. Afterwards, Heath explains that the number of prongs has more to do with the wiring behind the receptacle than it does with the receptacle itself. Pre-1960’s, homes used two conductors, but post-1960’s a third conductor was introduced for safety, the ground wire. The ground wire will safely carry a stray, potentially dangerous, current away from risk of causing a fire or electrocution. Heath then explains that replacing them can be costly if there is no ground present, as it will require rewiring the whole room or home. However, he shares another way to get a grounded, three-prong receptacle without rewiring- using a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Heath explains how the GFCI receptacle outlet works and gives some tips on how to install one.

Cost: $20 for a GFCI and $200 for professional installation

Shopping List:
GFCI outlet [https://amzn.to/2WsbjZb]
Cover plate [https://amzn.to/3usOH7j]

Tools:
Screwdriver [https://amzn.to/3kUsewI]
Voltage tester [https://amzn.to/3AYpwvY]

Terminology:
Outlet—Anything that has a power current taken out and utilized. For example: appliance outlets, smoke detector outlets, and lighting outlets.

Receptacle—Is an outlet. A contact device installed at the outlet for the attachment of an attachment plug.

Steps for installing a GFCI outlet
1. Turn off the power to the receptacle. Use a voltage tester to confirm.
2. Remove the cover plate with a screwdriver.
3. Disconnect the receptacle from the electrical box using a screwdriver.
4. Loosen the wires on the hot and neutral sides of the outlet. If the power isn’t shut off, the screws are where you’ll be shocked.
5. Remove the outlet.
6. Before installing the GFCI, make sure there is enough room in the old outlet box. If the GFCI is too big, you’ll need to purchase and install a larger box.
7. Repeat the process in reverse with the GFCI receptacle.

Resources:
Where to find it?
A room will have to be rewired if there isn’t a ground present. However, if you want to have a grounded, three-prong receptacle without rewiring, you can also use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) found at any home center.

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From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

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How to Understand Two-Prong Outlets | Ask This Old House
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Видео How to Understand Two-Prong Outlets | Ask This Old House канала This Old House