2 prong receptacles

[Paul A. Wancata]

Is it a good idea to recommend to clients to update electrical receptacles to a 3 prong grounded outlet in living spaces such as family rooms, iving rooms, etc... to meet modern electrical requirements for cable,electronics,computers, etc... Also, has anyone used the Ideal circuit analyzer 61-165. i'd like to get some feedback. Thanks

Paul Wancata
Inspections Unlimited

[Bob Elliott]

I call them out dated and recommend upgrade.
Also a good clue to look for those cloth covered wires.

[Jeffrey R. Wicklander]

Unless you are absolutely sure that each receptacle is able to be grounded, don't recommend a replacement with a three pronged recept. An electrician may be needed to upgrade each branch circuit where a ground is needed.


Jeff

[James H. Bushart]

Home inspectors call out defects. This system, unless observed in a new construction or addition, is not a defect.

Home inspectors do not recommend remedies to the defects that they point out in their reports. They recommend that they be repaired or replaced by a qualified contractor.

[Bob Elliott]

But you guys do mention the system as outdated....Yes?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by pwancata

Also, has anyone used the Ideal circuit analyzer 61-165. i'd like to get some feedback. Thanks

I don't leave home without it, in fact, I have three.

The three-light tester does not give enough information and should not be your only tool for receptacle testing.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by relliott

But you guys do mention the system as outdated....Yes?

I don't.

I will include a narrative that the two prong system is perfectly safe, will accommodate GFCI receptacles, and does not need to be replaced. I will mention the dangers caused by "adapters" and the possible inconvenience this system poses when using most modern day electrical appliances.

"Outdated" infers the need for replacement, which I do not recommend for anything that is not defective (with the exception of GFCI in wet areas).

[jrivera]

Originally Posted by jbushart

I don't.

I will include a narrative that the two prong system is perfectly safe, will accommodate GFCI receptacles, and does not need to be replaced. I will mention the dangers caused by "adapters" and the possible inconvenience this system poses when using most modern day electrical appliances.

"Outdated" infers the need for replacement, which I do not recommend for anything that is not defective (with the exception of GFCI in wet areas).

Good verbiage.

Mic

[Michael Roberson]

http://www.nachi.tv/episode42


Scroll to 4:45, Joe covers this nicely, and taught me allot.

[David P. Valley]

http://www.masscertifiedhomeinspections.com/?D=124

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by jbushart

I don't.

I will include a narrative that the two prong system is perfectly safe, will accommodate GFCI receptacles, and does not need to be replaced. I will mention the dangers caused by "adapters" and the possible inconvenience this system poses when using most modern day electrical appliances.

"Outdated" infers the need for replacement, which I do not recommend for anything that is not defective (with the exception of GFCI in wet areas).

So the whole idea of grounding was never needed?

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by relliott

So the whole idea of grounding was never needed?

2-prong outlets are not a defect. It is errant and misleading, on our part, to state or to infer otherwise.

[Randy D. Stufflebeem]

Originally Posted by jbushart

2-prong outlets are not a defect. It is errant and misleading, on our part, to state or to infer otherwise.

Home inspectors call out defects. This system, unless observed in a new construction or addition, is not a defect.

2-prong outlets are not a defect. It is errant and misleading, on our part, to state or to infer otherwise.

I agree with James on both quotes! Unless you are licensed to make that call and never worry about liability issues, I would stick with what a home inspector should report.
I often tell folks:

I am like the General Practitioner and the Plumber, Electrician, etc is like the Surgeon.

Everyone can separate the Doctor at the clinic and and the Surgeon at the hospital.

[Bob Elliott]

You guys may notice I used the term out of date.
Anybody catch me saying defect.?

Hmm it is a defect only in new construction.?

Want to take that statement back after someone please defines defect for me?

[Randy D. Stufflebeem]

Originally Posted by relliott

You guys may notice I used the term out of date.
Anybody catch me saying defect.?

Hmm it is a defect only in new construction.?

Want to take that statement back after someone please defines defect for me?

Not disagreeing with you Bob. Just saying I stick with more along the line of James's approach. Never thought you said "defect" and yes it can be a defect in more than just new construction. I have wrote them up when they were defective but never simply because they were two pronged.