Existing ungrounded two-prong receptacle outlets are allowed to remain in place by the National Electrical Code [NEC 406.4(D)(2)], and they can also be replaced with another two-prong receptacle at locations where a ground connection does not exist, if you want. But, while two-slot receptacles are reasonably safe when used correctly, three-slot (grounded) receptacles are ultimately safer and better for avoiding a shock or electrical fire. If you are able to upgrade to a grounded or GFCI receptacle, it’s definitely a good idea. That’s why the code was changed 50 years ago to require them for new construction.

    And here’s an additional problem: lots of electric appliances used today have cords with three prongs. Using an adapter, like the one shown connected to the top half of the receptacle pictured above, is not a safe solution to the dilemma. Theoretically, if the metal ring at the two-slot side of the adapter is connected to the securing screw for the receptacle cover plate, then the ground slot is connected to a ground. But that is almost never the case and most people don’t even bother connecting it—with the result that an appliance that requires grounding to be safe, such as a refrigerator or washing machine, is ungrounded.  

   Even worse is a defect we sometimes see in older homes, where the old ungrounded receptacle is changed out for a three-slot receptacle but there is no ground connection made. A three-light circuit tester, like the one shown below, is used by many home inspectors to check for this safety defect. Two orange lights means the circuit is grounded, and one orange lights indicates lack of ground. Unfortunately, this little tester does not detect what is called a “false ground,” a condition in which the ground slot is connected to the neutral wire in the circuit—which is also unsafe. Detecting a false ground requires a more sophisticated electronic testing device.

   There are three safe and code-approved ways to repair an ungrounded three-slot receptacle:

1. Run a ground wire to the new three-slot receptacle. This is often the most difficult and expensive solution.
2. Install a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacle. It’s the kind with two small push-buttons in the center. A GFCI shock-protection device is considered an acceptable alternative to a ground connection, but the receptacle cover plate must have a small sticker (provided in the box with the receptacle) attached that says “NO GROUND PROVIDED.”
3. Replace it with a two-slot receptacle, which is still manufactured and available on the shelf at many hardware stores. If not, they can special-order it for you. Since having just one three-slot receptacle in each room is adequate for most homes, this solution is satisfactory for many of the ungrounded three-slot receptacles.

    Many appliances require a ground connection to operate properly and have a manufacturer’s sticker, like the one shown below on side of a fluorescent ceiling fixture, that states “FIXTURE MUST BE GROUNDED for safety and proper operation.”

    Also, see our blog posts Can you plug a surge protector into a two prong outlet? and How can I tell if the electric receptacle outlets are grounded?

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  To learn more about electrical wiring, devices, and receptacles, see these other blog posts:

 • What is the difference between what trips a GFCI (ground fault) receptacle and a circuit breaker?

• What is the code requirement for GFCI protection for receptacles near a wet bar sink? 

• What is the requirement for a service receptacle outlet for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HACR) equipment? 

• Why is an opening in the wall around the side of an electrical receptacle outlet a safety defect?  

• When was GFCI-protection for kitchen dishwasher receptacle outlet first required? 

• What is allowable voltage range at a wall receptacle outlet in a house?

• When should I replace electric receptacle outlets? 

• Does an electric receptacle outlet in a storage shed require GFCI protection? 

• What are "self-contained" electrical receptacle outlets and switches?

• What is the difference between an electrical receptacle, an outlet, and a plug?

• Does a washing machine receptacle outlet require GFCI protection?

• What is the building code requirement for receptacle outlets at stairs and stair landings?

• Can I remove a 240-volt range receptacle and hard-wire the range? 

• What is a "backstab" receptacle outlet? 

• Why are some electric receptacle outlets upside down (ground slot up) in a house?   

• What is the height requirement for an electric receptacle outlet? 

• Where are GFCI receptacle outlets required?

• When were GFCI receptacle outlets first required?

• Does a home inspector remove receptacle outlet cover plates?

• What is the minimum height for an exterior receptacle outlet? 

• When was the current receptacle/outlet spacing of 12-feet first required? 

• When was the three-slot (grounding) outlet/receptacle first required? 

• Why does painting an electric receptacle (outlet) make it unsafe?

• Why are electrical outlets and plugs polarized? 

• How many electrical receptacles (outlets) are required in a hallway?  

• What problems does having too many electric receptacle outlets on a single circuit cause? 

• Is a house required to have outdoor electric receptacle outlets?

• How I can tell if a receptacle outlet is tamper resistant?

• Why is there a GFCI breaker in the electric panel for the bathroom shower light and exhaust fan?

• What is a false ground, bootleg ground, or cheated ground receptacle? 

• How can adding wood paneling or a wainscot create an electrical safety hazard?

• How can I figure out what a mystery wall switch does?

• How far apart should kitchen counter receptacles be spaced?  

• How far above a kitchen countertop do electrical outlets have to be?

• What is reversed polarity at an outlet/receptacle? Why is it dangerous? 

• How high above the floor do electric outlets/receptacles in a garage have to be?

• How far apart should electric receptacles be spaced in a bathroom? 

• My bathroom electric receptacle/outlet is dead and there are no tripped breakers in the electric panel. What's wrong?  

• Is there an adapter that can be placed on a two-slot receptacle to make it safe? 

• How do the new tamper-resistant electric outlets work?

• Why is there no bathroom electric receptacle in this old house?

• How can I tell if the electric receptacle outlets are grounded? 

• How far apart should the electrical receptacles be placed?

• What are the most common problems/defects found with electric receptacle outlets during a home inspection?

   Visit our ELECTRICAL page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.