GFCI to replace ungrounded outlet?
freestate1
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I’m going to be doing some charity rehab work (1 day project). If you have a bad ungrounded outlet, is the proper approach to install an ungrounded GFCI instead of an ungrounded 3-prong? Time and skills won’t allow for re-wiring with a proper ground. I assume that 2-prong outlets are not even available new..? Thanks.
Replies
Yes, 2 prong outlets are available.
A GFI is a safer approach, but it must be marked as not having a ground.
God never gives us small ideas.
Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
What do you mean by a "bad ungrounded outlet?"
What's wrong with it?
It is very dnagerous to install a three-prong outlet on an ungrounded circuit because folks will assume it is grounded and use devices that need grounding.
Two prong outlets are available and a GFCI will work fine on an ungrounded circuit.
CAP knows a lot about this topic, but I think he's off galavanting somewhere in the rockies.
We may be a day late here, but look for an article on inspecting old wiring in the Feb/March issue of FHB.
Brian P.
An ungrounded 3-prong GFCI is legal (in most circumstances) when replacing a 2-prong ungrounded outlet (or an illegally installed 3-prong ungrounded outlet). It should in theory be labeled "Ungrounded", and claims have been made that "Ungrounded" labels are shipped with the GFCIs (though I've never seen one).
However, if the grounded outlet is needed for a surge suppressor, or to enable a fluorescent light to operate when it needs a ground, or for some similar reason where a ground is needed for other than personal protection reasons, the GFCI will not suffice.
labels are shipped with the GFCIs (though I've never seen one).
Pull open a Cooper box down to the big box store, the labels are in there, in english & spanish.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)