How Do You Wire a Three-Prong Plug?
Electrical outlets in homes can wear out, become obsolete, go bad, break, become smeared with paint, or suffer from various other issues that necessitate replacement. Fortunately, replacing an electrical outlet is a simple task that a professional electrician can complete.
Great news! Rush Electrical Service is one of the area’s most trusted contractors for exceptional electrical repairs, installations, and maintenance, particularly if you need a reliable outlet installation.
Ground wire protects people and electrical devices in case of a fault that is missing from old-fashioned two-prong receptacles, also known as outlets, connected to two-wire cables. However, as long as the outlet box is grounded, it is possible to retrofit a new three-prong or GFCI receptacle into the same outlet box without rewiring.
However, this guide will show you how to do it correctly with a few simple and easy steps.
- Step 1. The first thing you need to do is to prepare the materials, such as the following:
- New 3-prong outlet and outlet cover
- Electrical tape
- Wire cutters/pliers
- Voltage tester (optional)
- Any electrical appliance
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Step 2. Locate your fuse box and disconnect the power to the outlets you will replace.
- Step 3. Before you begin, use an appliance or electrical tester to ensure that the power has been turned off.
- Step 4. Once you’ve confirmed that the power is turned off, use the appropriate screwdriver to remove the outlet cover (dependent on your outlet).
- Step 5. Remove the screws that secure the outlet to the metal junction box.
- Step 6. Pull the outlet carefully out of the junction box where it is secured.
- Step 7. And then, look at the back or sides of the receptacle. The hot wire is represented by the brass or black screw, while the neutral is represented by the silver or white screw. You will also notice a copper wire, which serves as the ground.
- Step 8. Detach the wires once, determining which are hot, neutral, and ground.
- Step 9. Connect those wires to the new outlet in their proper locations. (Because the power is turned off, you can remove one and then replace it on the new outlet as you work to avoid confusion.)
- Step 10. Wrap a 2- to 3-inch piece of electrical tape around the part where the wires connect to the terminals once all wires are properly attached to the new receptacle. This will help protect the wires and serve as an extra precaution. This can help prevent short circuits if someone ever plugs something in the wrong way.
- Step 11. Return the outlet to the wall and use the securing screws to reattach it to the junction box.
- Step 12. You should now turn on the power and test the outlet. Congratulations if the power comes on when you plug in your appliance! You did an excellent job! If it still does not work, turn off the power and repeat steps 1-11.
- Step 13. Replace the outlet cover once everything is in working order, and you’re done!
This system works because most appliances now have plastic cases, which means there is no exposed metal to become ‘live’ in a fault condition.
We want you to know that Rush Electrical Service is the right company to call for your electrical services.
Are Three-Prong Outlets Safer Than Two-Prong Outlets?
If you’re buying a new home and want to inspect it for electrical problems or update your current home’s electrical system, you may wonder whether you should keep or replace any two-prong outlets you find.
Since two-prong outlets can be hazardous to you and your home, learn more about what they are, their dangers, and why you should consider upgrading to three-prong outlets. Learn more about the primary dangers of two-prong outlets by reading on:
- Electrocution
One of the most serious risks of using two-prong outlets is the increased risk of electrocution. During a power surge, electricity will rush to a two-prong outlet, and your system cannot safely redirect the power due to the lack of a ground wire. You could be electrocuted if you come into contact with a stray current from the outlet, resulting in serious injury or death.
- Cause of Electric Fire
The material of your building will occasionally absorb the electricity. When electricity strikes these materials, it can start a fire inside your home that spreads quickly. This fire can potentially burn down your entire house or cause significant damage.
- Damage to electronics and appliances
In addition to posing health risks, two-prong outlets can fry your appliances and electronics during a power surge. Because a two-prong outlet lacks a grounding wire, excess power can flow into your appliances and electronics, frying any sensitive components. While some electronics are easily replaceable, replacing items such as computers, televisions, and kitchen appliances can be much more expensive.
So, what would be the main reason why it is safer to use three-prong outlets rather than two-prong outlets? Because two-prong outlets can be dangerous, you may be tempted to use a three-prong adapter as a temporary solution.
While adapters appear to be a simple solution, they do not make your outlets any safer, and your outlets remain vulnerable to various dangers from power surges. Furthermore, plugging a surge protector into a three-prong adapter will be ineffective because you still lack a ground wire.
You may be interested in making two-prong outlets safer due to their risk. One of the most effective ways to protect your home and yourself from electrical hazards is to replace two-prong outlets with three-prong outlets.
If you have two-prong outlets and want to upgrade to three-prong outlets, contact Rush Electrical Service. Our electricians regularly provide a variety of local electrical services.
We provide regular electrical maintenance in addition to adding ground wires to your home and upgrading your two-prong outlets to three-prong outlets.
The good news is that you can directly contact a professional at Rush Electrical Service. You won’t have to worry because one of our highly trained and licensed electricians will repair or install your electrical devices quickly.
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