Are there any building code requirements that would require the owner to change all or some of the outlets to be grounded? In this ultimate guide, we will answer your question, “Are grounded outlets required by law?”
Are Grounded Outlets Required By Law?
Grounded outlets are not required by law. Outlets must be grounded according to the NEC. Therefore, grounded receptacles are required by law, albeit in a circumstantial form.
Because NEC mandates grounded outlets, GFCI devices can protect downline points of use in circuit strings. GFCI protected labels should be on receptacles.
Putting a grounded receptacle in an ungrounded GFCI outlet is legal. The outlet must be “GFCI Protected” and “No Equipment Ground” and legal with labeling and GFCI protection.
All 15- and 20-amp, 120-volt receptacles must be grounded. If your house wiring predates this rule, you don’t need grounded receptacles. That doesn’t imply your bedroom or kitchen outlet isn’t grounded. Replacing an ungrounded outlet with a GFCI receptacle prevents shocks but not power surges.
Since 1962, NEC requires grounded outlets. Building a house or renovating using drywall or plaster requires grounded outlets.
Homes with 2-prong outlets are “grandfathered,” thus no modification is necessary. Existing homes can still have 2-prong outlets that meet regulations. The NEC has rules for replacing 2-prong outlets with 3-prong ones.
Building codes and permits are code-compliant. Every new residence needs a permit. Most places don’t require permits for cosmetic house upgrades.
I’m frequently asked about ungrounded outlets when evaluating older properties.
- Is it safe to use outlets that aren’t grounded?
- What’s the best way to fix an ungrounded outlet?
- Is it possible to ground an ungrounded outlet?
- Is it necessary to ground all electrical outlets.
Let’s talk about these issues and how to remedy ungrounded outlets.
Ungrounded outlets are inherently unsafe and can be deadly. Ungrounded outlets are one of the top causes of house fires all around the world. Other electricity issues, such as frayed wiring or faulty wire connections hidden inside walls, are also associated with ungrounded outlets. Ungrounded outlets are subject to arcing and electrical shorts, which can cause neighboring furniture or drapes to catch fire as a result of these electrical flaws.
Electrical outlets come in a variety of shapes and sizes in a home. Some outlets are up to date, while others are out of date. Aside from age, outlets differ in terms of amps, type, and features. GFCI outlets and AFCI outlets protect against electric shock, while switched and smart outlets turn off electricity with the touch of a button. It’s important to know what types of outlets you have in your home because two prong outlets may not be up to code.
What Is a Grounded Outlet?
Grounding outlets are poles used to divert excess power from your gadgets and into the ground.
Power surges that could overwhelm your gadget or cause electrical shock are prevented by this wiring.
A grounded plug contains three prongs, as opposed to the usual two prongs on a non-grounded plug.
The main purpose of the grounding wires is to safeguard the vicinity of the outlet from an overload or power surge.
What Does A Grounded Outlet Look Like
In order to tell if the outlet is connected properly, look for a light pattern.
While different indicators have varying arrangements, they are typically built so that when an outlet is properly grounded, their two rightmost indicators should light up yellow.
Three contacts make up a grounded outlet. Depending on the nation, they are organized differently. They appear as follows in the US:
Unground ones are on the right, grounded ones are on the left. Keep in mind that the ground contact is the third hole. The installation of the outlet can be done either ground up or ground down. To connect a grounded plug, you need a grounded outlet.
What To Do If There Is No Ground Wire In Outlet
It is improper and harmful to install a grounding (3-prong) electrical receptacle on a circuit if no ground wire or ground path is provided.
The power source must be shut off by switching a circuit breaker to OFF or removing a fuse before performing any work on the switch.
To ground your outlet, take a few specific actions.
- Initially, check the local electrical codes and arrange inspections.
- Replace a 120V ungrounded receptacle with a GFCI outlet for the simplest ground protection modification.
- Establishing a continuous electrical path back to the main panel is the best technique to fix an ungrounded 3-prong outlet.
- If the electrical box is not made of metal, then you can simply wrap the ground wire of the light fixture with electrical tape and let it float inside the box.
How To Ground An Outlet In An Old House
Here is how to add a ground wire to an outlet or receptacle step-by-step.
1. Take all the Mandatory Approvals
Local authorities must approve household electric work. Follow national and local electrical codes. It may involve staged inspections. GFCI or GFI may need to be 5 feet from the floor.
Outdoor GFI must be weatherproof. Home wiring is regulated. Start work after reviewing national and local electrical codes and regulations.
2. Get a Circuit Tester
Adding a ground wire to a receptacle requires a circuit tester. Any home repair store carries it and other essentials like screwdrivers. It can detect receptacle faults or ground fault circuit.
A circuit tester can detect receptacle configurations. Some testers check GFCI outlets for excess current. If the outlet isn’t grounded or the wiring is faulty, you’ll get alerts.
3. Examine the Receptacle Through Circuit Tester
Plug the tester into each home outlet. Check the tester’s plugged-in light. Tape over lights indicating ground wire concerns.
Before testing receptacles, check sure the tester works. Testers have 3 prongs. Hot, neutral, ground
4. Turn Off the Main Power of the House
Before working, turn off the power. Turn off the room’s electrical breaker. With a tester, make sure each breaker is off. To be safe, switch off the house’s power.
5. Carefully Remove the Cover Plate
After shutting off the power, remove the outlet’s cover plate with a screwdriver.
Be mindful of wallpaper or wall color when opening the screw. Roughly removing the wallpaper could ruin the room’s appearance.
6. Remove & Test the Receptacle
Pull out the receptacle after removing the plate. Carefully extend the wires as far as possible. Black, white, and copper wires are in a 3-prong receptacle.
Tighten the grounding wire. Black and white wiring means the box isn’t grounded. Add a ground wire. GFCI or GFI only fit 2-prong outlets. Adding a ground wire is safer.
7. Attach Wire of the New Receptacle
Installing new receptacles requires connecting the black wire to the brass termination and the white wire to the silver terminal.
GFCI receptacles have a line label. Reclose the box with green screws. Green screw only should tighten the ground wire.
Insert the new receptacle into the box after attaching the green grounding wire. Tape it and its terminals, then put it back in the box.
Fold wires carefully and know electrical wire color codes. Disconnect the hot black wire. Screw down the cover plate.
8. Turn the Power On
Turn on the power and test everything.
How To Fix Ungrounded Outlets
Ungrounded outlets can be fixed by rewiring the electrical circuit or installing GFCI protection to the circuit breaker or the outlet. The outlet can only be safely grounded through rewiring.
Establishing a continuous electrical path back to the main panel is the best technique to fix an ungrounded three prong plug outlet.
Rewiring the house and attaching a ground wire to every outlet, switch, and fixture is the only real way to ground the house.
How To Ground An Outlet In A Plastic Box
Plastic means no ground wire is needed. Switches and outlets won’t short if they touch the non-conductive box.
Plastic boxes have screw holes for attaching switches and outlets.
Plastic containers can’t be grounded. To ground switches and receptacles, the equipment grounding conductor must be brought into the enclosure.
Connect the green wire to the device’s green screw. If another cable exits the box to supply downstream devices, attach a pigtail to the grounding screw. The pigtail maintains grounding continuity if the device is removed.
How To Ground An Outlet With Only 2 Wires
If your home has two-prong metal outlets, you may ground them without rewiring. Using a circuit tester, check if the metal housing is grounded. Insert a hot slot tester prong (the shorter slot in the outlet).
Here is step by step how to ground an outlet with only 2 wires:
- Check your local electrical codes and schedule inspections.
- Purchase a circuit tester at a local home repair store.
- Test the receptacles in your home.
- Turn off the power at the main electrical box.
- Remove the cover plate of the receptacle.
- Examining the receptacle and remove the receptacle.
- Examine the receptacle and the wiring
- Secure the ground wire.
- Install a new receptacle if necessary.
- Grounding the Receptacle – Attach the grounding wire to the grounding terminal.
- Secure the receptacle.
- Turn the power back on.
3 Prong Outlet Not Grounded
Making a route for energy to travel back to the main electrical panel via a ground wire is the best way to remedy an ungrounded 3-prong outlet.
This option can be easy for you to use if your outlet is set up in a metal box that is connected to a metal conduit that leads to the electrical panel.
What Happens If A 3 Prong Outlet Is Not Grounded?
Ungrounded three-prong outlets put users at greater risk of shock or electrocution and render surge protectors ineffective, which could lead to electronic component damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Ungrounded Outlets?
Cost to fix open ground outlet. An experienced electrician would normally charge a minimum labor rate plus the cost of the parts to complete this in 30 minutes.
Although it might cost as little as $75 or as much as $485, this project typically costs between $135 and $300. If your house lacks basic wiring, things start to grow more expensive.
Expect to receive between $200 and $250 if the work entails running wire and creating a new outlet position.
Costs for wiring range from $6 to $8 per foot and from $130 to $170 for each outlet.
Ungrounded Outlets Code
If a grounding path is present, it must be used, according to NEC Section 406.4(D)(1).
Since 1962, dwellings must have ground walkways throughout.
This indicates that grounding the outlet is the only authorized repair for an ungrounded outlet in a house built after 1962.
Are Ungrounded Outlets Dangerous?
Ungrounded outlets can significantly raise personal and property threats, despite the fact that they may have initially seemed harmless.
Because ungrounded outlets can shoot sparks when electricity malfunctions, injuring surrounding goods or potentially starting a huge flare-up, grounded outlets help prevent electrical fires.
People using devices and appliances connected into ungrounded outlets run the very real risk of receiving a shock.
When Did Romex Get A Ground Wire?
Since the 1960s, plastic or thermoplastic nonmetallic cable, like the one pictured below, has been utilized to replace fabric-based wire insulation materials in new residential construction. Many electricians still refer to this type of cable as “Romex” cable.
How Much Does It Cost To Get An Outlet Grounded?
The time spent working to ground an Outlet will be roughly 30 minutes, with costs ranging from $20 to $50 on average.
One outlet can be grounded for as low as $75. Up to $4,000 can be spent on more involved electrical work.
An electrical outlet typically costs $215 to install. The price of a new one can range from $75 to $485. Usually, the project costs between $134 and $298.
The national average price ranges from $200 to $500 or more to replace an old outlet and from $500 to $1,000 or more to install a new 120V outlet.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Your House Grounded?
Although it might cost as little as $75 or as much as $485, this project typically costs between $135 and $300.
If your house lacks basic wiring, things start to grow more expensive. An electrician may occasionally need to add a grounding wire.
A 2,000 square foot home will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to wire. You would shell out, on average, $8,000 to $9,000 for the complete project to ground your house. This sum, though, isn’t fixed in stone.
How Much Does It Cost To Change 2 Prong Outlets To 3 Prong?
Although it might cost as little as $75 or as much as $485, this project typically costs between $135 and $300.
It only requires switching out two-prong plugs with three-prong outlets if your house is correctly wired. An experienced electrician would normally charge a minimum labor rate plus the cost of the parts to complete this in 30 minutes.
Can You Replace An Ungrounded Outlet With A GFCI?
It’s not necessarily grounded just because you switch out an underground outlet for a GFIC outlet. However, you can add GFCI outlets to replace ungrounded outlets, making the outlet safer than it would be without one.
Replace those outdated, 2 prong, ungrounded outlets with GFCI outlets for a safe alternative. To avoid rewiring, use ground fault interrupt circuits.
A GFCI will shield you against electrocution and short circuits even though it won’t shield your gadgets from power surges. You must mark the GFCI with “No Equipment Ground” if you replace your two-prong, unground outlet with one.
What is Residual Current Device (RCD), Ground Circuit Fault Interrupter (GFCI), Ground Circuit Leakage Interrupter (ELCB)?
An electrical safety device that swiftly interrupts an electrical circuit with leaking current to ground is known as a residual current device (RCD), residual current circuit breaker (RCCB), or ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). It serves to safeguard machinery and lessen the possibility of catastrophic harm from continuous electric shocks.
Although there is an older style of voltage operated earth leakage breaker, an earth leakage breaker (ELCB) can also be a residual current device.
What does it mean if outlet is not grounded?
It indicates that a conductor is not fastened to the grounding screw of the outlet. There is no connection between an unground outlet and the earth.
An ungrounded outlet poses the following risk:
- Overloads or other surges are free to travel wherever their current takes them in the absence of the grounding wire.
- This might be the device that you are plugging into the wall or it could be your hand as you do so.
- Without a ground, any problems with the outlet could result in sparks or arcing, which could ignite neighboring furniture or set fire to nearby walls.
Are ungrounded outlets legal?
It is permissible to install a grounded outlet there if the ungrounded outlet has GFCI protection. This means that ungrounded outlets are legal only if they have GFCI protection.
How much does it cost to ground an outlet?
Cost to ground outlets: The time spent working will be roughly 30 minutes, with costs ranging from $20 to $50 on average.
Here’s an occasion where it would be best to complete all necessary upgrades at once. However, you may anticipate expenses to at least double if the electrician needs to create grounding at the main fuse panel or circuit breaker panel.
How much does grounding outlets cost?
Although it might cost as little as $75 or as much as $485, the average cost of this project is between $135 and $300. If your home doesn’t have adequate wiring, costs start to rise. An electrician may occasionally need to add a grounding wire.
How bad are ungrounded outlets?
Ungrounded outlets can significantly raise personal and property threats, despite the fact that they may have initially seemed harmless.
Because ungrounded outlets can shoot sparks when electricity malfunctions, injuring surrounding goods or potentially starting a huge flare-up, grounded outlets help prevent electrical fires.
People using devices and appliances connected into ungrounded outlets run the very real risk of receiving a shock.
Does every outlet need to be grounded?
All outlets placed in 15- and 20-amp, 120-volt circuits must be grounded, under the National Electric Code. You are not required to switch out your ungrounded receptacles for grounded ones if the wiring in your home was installed before this requirement was adopted.
When were grounded outlets required?
The US National Electrical Code (NEC) mandated grounded receptacles in every area of the house in 1971 (effective January 1, 1974).
Conclusion
We’ve answered your question, “are grounded outlets required by law” and some common questions have also been responded to in this detailed guide.
Generally, the law does not mandate the use of grounded outlets, but you’ve to check with your state of residence to ensure you meet the state requirements for grounding an outlet.
Final Thoughts about are grounded outlets required by law
To reduce the risk of electric shock and prevent damage to electrical equipment, the National Electric Code has outlawed ungrounded outlets, or outlets without an associated grounding wire, in new construction since 1962.
Resources: Grounded outlets are not required by law (link)