Learn how to safely upgrade your outdated two-prong outlet to a grounded three-prong outlet with easy-to-follow steps, essential tips, and important safety advice.
Head of Content, D. Gorenko
Updated June, 5
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Before you start replacing your old two-prong outlet with a grounded three-prong outlet, it’s important to understand why grounding matters. Properly grounded outlets help prevent electrical shocks and protect sensitive electronics and appliances from electrical surges by providing a safe pathway for electricity. Older homes, such as those found frequently in St Louis and Nashville, often feature two-pronged outlets, which lack a grounding wire and therefore present certain electrical risks.
Carefully turn off the power to the outlet you will be working on at your home's electrical panel or fuse box; make sure to verify the power is off with a voltage tester. Next, remove the outlet cover and carefully unscrew and pull out the outlet from the electrical box. Take note of the wiring behind. In some cases, even if the outlet is two-pronged, you might find a grounding wire (usually a bare copper or green insulated wire) tucked away unused in the box. If you do see this wire or a metal conduit box, your circuit may already be suitable for a simple swap to a three-prong grounded outlet.
If you find a grounding source (bare copper wire or conduit) in the electrical box, your installation procedure is straightforward:
If you discover no ground wire exists, you have a few options to safely install a three-prong outlet:
Once installation is complete, use a receptacle tester to confirm the outlet is correctly wired and safely grounded (or appropriately labeled if installing a GFCI without an actual ground). The tester will clearly display if there's reversed wiring, open grounds, or other errors. If any problems arise, double-check connections or contact a qualified electrician for assurance and professional advice.
If at any point you’re uncomfortable working with electrical wiring or uncertain about conducting these steps safely and correctly, it's important to contact a licensed electrician. Electrical work poses serious risks, and professional electricians have the expertise and equipment to perform installations safely, adhering strictly to current electrical codes and standards, thus ensuring your home remains safe and compliant.
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SERVING
Brentwood, MO
1025 Hanley Industrial
Brentwood, MO 63144
Nashville, TN
45 Willow St.
Nashville, TN 37210
St Louis Location
(314) 664-3011
St Louis Location
1025 Hanley Industrial Brentwood, MO 63144
Nashville Location
(615) 515-3015
Nashville Location
45 Willow St Nashville, TN 37210
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