ungrounded 3 prong plugs

[David P. OKeefe]

I have read in an inspection report (from someones website) that the fix can "be as simple as filling the ground slot with epoxy". Is this really a safe fix to do? I would not recommend this.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by dokeefe

I have read in an inspection report (from someones website) that the fix can "be as simple as filling the ground slot with epoxy". Is this really a safe fix to do? I would not recommend this.

Seems strange but there would be nothing unsafe about it.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Please post a link to that report. That sounds like a good read.

[David P. OKeefe]

I'll have to go and try to find it. He does also state that a ground wire can also be run to the plug and also a gfci can be used. Seams like an amateur fix. I mean if you saw epoxy stuffed in a ground plug during an inspection wouldn't you call for it to be replaced?

[David P. OKeefe]

Here it is.
http://www.thehomeinspectionwebsite....ex.php?page=10

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by dokeefe

I'll have to go and try to find it. He does also state that a ground wire can also be run to the plug and also a gfci can be used. Seams like an amateur fix. I mean if you saw epoxy stuffed in a ground plug during an inspection wouldn't you call for it to be replaced?

Huh...yes.

[Robert Meier]

Sounds unsafe and that method is not supported by the NEC.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Would it not be simpler to mark it Not a grounded outlet? or replace it with the right outlet.
The accept GFCI outlet on a renovation Permit for non grounded outlets.

[Eric C. Van De Ven]

Originally Posted by dokeefe

Here it is.
http://www.thehomeinspectionwebsite....ex.php?page=10

[Tim Spargo]

Prescribing fixes like this is not a good idea.

It may be just a sample report with some verbiage from the manufacturer/software co. If you're gonna tell people to put a liquid form of anything in an outlet ... you should probably tell them to *turn the power off first*, if we're gonna tell some one to do that. As I doubt later telling someone "I'm sorry you got shocked, I didn't tell ya to put runny epoxy in there"

I haven't seen and doubt that this is a listed fix from any manufacturer.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by dokeefe

Here it is.
http://www.thehomeinspectionwebsite....ex.php?page=10

Here's what Jason Micare, The Home Inspector, LLC said:

"Ungrounded 3-prong outlets ( I.E. near kitchen stove) should be improved. This can be as simple as filling the ground slot with epoxy. Alternatively, a grounded cable could be strung to this outlet, or a separate ground wire could be connected. Some electrical codes allow the installation of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) type outlet where grounding is not provided."

I say his statement is ill advised and borders on incompetent. ASHI inspector I see.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Here's what I would have said:

"One or more outlets in the *LOCATION(rooms-interior)* has an open ground. The absence of a ground is a shock or electrocution hazard in some instances and should be serviced by a licensed and competent electrician within the contingency period or before the close of escrow."

If the house is an older 2-wire system with 3 prong outlets, I might say this:

"Many outlets were the 3-prong type and nearly all were ungrounded. Although a ground isn't required of 2-prong outlets, if the receptacle is 3 prong and ungrounded it gives a false sense of safety. Grounding of all 3-prong outlets, reverting back to 2-prong outlets, or protecting them with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) is recommended for safety reasons."

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by belliott

Seems strange but there would be nothing unsafe about it.

Not unsafe? Squirting liquid into an outlet is safe? How would anyone with a 3-prong appliance use it? Break off the ground pin?

[bemelander]

My reply would be similar to what Joe said. But when I took my home inspection class 10 years ago filling the ground with epoxy was one of their recommendations.

[Jae Williams]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Not unsafe? Squirting liquid into an outlet is safe? How would anyone with a 3-prong appliance use it? Break off the ground pin?

That's the object--make the outlet unusable for a three pronged plug. There is a reason for the third prong--and that reason is negated by an ungrounded receptacle. It give a false sense of security when the homeowner sees a three-hole receptacle--he would assume that the receptacle is safe to use with a three-pronged plug. But it may not be.

Never use an electrical appliance (outlet, receptacle, toaster, etc) in any manner other than as designed by the engineer who designed the toaster, or whatever.

I'm not suggesting the use of epoxy--that is a no-no--nor should one label the receptacle as ungrounded--no one reads that, especially if the label is removed.

The best thing to do, short of running a proper three-wire, would be to install a GFCI. The GFCI would break the current before harm can be done--hopefully. And use an "ungrounded" label (for as long as it might last).

A third wire can, in some instances, be installed--provided it is properly installed.