Two prong receptacles.

[dryerson]

I have been inspecting many older homes recently that have two prong receptacles throughout most of the home. I have been recommending upgrading. I was curious if other inspectors are letting this go.

What is your opinion?

[Michael Roberson]

Definatly recomment upgrading. Ungrounded Outlets do not meet modern safety standards. GFCI's will work with no ground, but I wouldnt try it. The wiring must be 40 or so years old... probably time anyway. If the client chooses to NOT upgrade, you have your butt covered.

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by mroberson

GFCI's will work with no ground, but I wouldnt try it.

Why not?

[David A. Andersen]

Please advise what the "significant deficiency" of a 2 prong outlet is?

Having a 3 prong on a two wire circuit IS an issue, but why would I want to upgrade my entire electrical system?

There are only one or two appliances I own that have a 3 prong plug (computer). What is your point?

This is not me talking, it is what you will be asked by Client, Agent, Electrician.

What is your reply?

Are you saying we must "upgrade" old homes to today's standard?

Does the SOP or your State Law require this reporting?
Do you have any earthly Idea what it takes to re-wire a house ("it about time anyway") ?

[Mike W. Cole]

When ever we see ungrounded three prong outlets we will recommend that they be changed to two prong or marked 'grounded'.
Were all homes built 40 years ago or more not safe? From our standpoint we are very carefull about using terms such as 'must' or 'significant upgrade' in any verbal or written communication with our clients. The attorneys love it, the realtors hate it and most of our clients don't care!

[bemelander]

I would not recomend an upgrade for two prong outlets in general. I would recommend if I felt it was a safety issue, (kitchen, baths, basements, etc).
i would also recommend changes to standard 3-prong outlets on a two wire system.

Bill

[Vince Santos]

If I'm inspecting a home with two prong receptacles I mention in the report how some appliances do require a three prong receptacle but I would never recommend a system upgrade based on the presence of two prong.

If I come across open ground three prong receptacles I would recommend they replace the receptacle with a two prong.

It's not about covering your butt it's about providing your client with valid, relevant, professional advice.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by vsantos

If I come across open ground three prong receptacles I would recommend they replace the receptacle with a two prong.

Other options available:

406.3(D) Replacements Replacement of receptacles shall comply with 406.3(D)(1), (D)(2), and (D)(3) as applicable.

(1) Grounding-Type Receptacles Where a grounding means exists in the receptacle enclosure or a grounding conductor is installed in accordance with 250.130(C), grounding-type receptacles shall be used and shall be connected to the grounding conductor in accordance with 406.3(C) or 250.130(C).

(2) Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protected receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be so protected elsewhere in this Code.

(3) Non–grounding-Type Receptacles Where grounding means does not exist in the receptacle enclosure, the installation shall comply with (D)(3)(a), (D)(3)(b), or (D)(3)(c).

(a) A non–grounding-type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with another non–grounding-type receptacle(s).

(b) A non–grounding-type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with a ground-fault circuit interrupter-type of receptacle(s). These receptacles shall be marked ``No Equipment Ground.'' An equipment grounding conductor shall not be connected from the ground-fault circuit-interrupter-type receptacle to any outlet supplied from the ground-fault circuit-interrupter receptacle.

(c) A non–grounding-type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with a grounding-type receptacle(s) where supplied through a ground-fault circuit interrupter. Grounding-type receptacles supplied through the ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be marked ``GFCI Protected'' and ``No Equipment Ground.'' An equipment grounding conductor shall not be connected between the grounding-type receptacles.

[rbrady]

Originally Posted by lkage

(a) A non–grounding-type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with another non–grounding-type receptacle(s).

NEC says 2-prong receptacles are OK in an existing system.

Make sure you check for reverse polarity though.

[David A. Andersen]

It's not about covering your butt it's about providing your client with valid, relevant, professional advice.

Amen!

I do advise client that when they have a 3 prong plug appliance, do not shortcut and add an adapter which may not ground the appliance. If they need a grounded receptacle, it should be checked and professionally installed.

[Speedy Petey]

Originally Posted by vsantos

If I'm inspecting a home with two prong receptacles I mention in the report how some appliances do require a three prong receptacle but I would never recommend a system upgrade based on the presence of two prong.

If I come across open ground three prong receptacles I would recommend they replace the receptacle with a two prong.

It's not about covering your butt it's about providing your client with valid, relevant, professional advice.

VERY well said.

[Michael Roberson]

Let me clarify my previous statement. I recommend upgraging to GFCI's. If they are 2 prong, They obviously arnt.

[Jae Williams]

[quote=vsantos]\. It's not about covering your butt it's about providing your client with valid, relevant, professional advice.[/quote]

Actually, valid, relevant, professional advice is covering your butt.

Education is the absolute best way...

[David A. Andersen]

You need to cover your butt, but you do not have to document it where it is so obvious. Every report section you don't understand.

[Peter Doane]

Originally Posted by dryerson

I have been inspecting many older homes recently that have two prong receptacles throughout most of the home. I have been recommending upgrading. I was curious if other inspectors are letting this go.

What is your opinion?

I educate the client about the "old" home and systems in it they are purchasing.