# 2 prong receptacles **URL:** \ **Category:** Electrical Inspections\ **Created:** [April 23, 2009, 1:06pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164 "2009-04-23T13:06:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![lkage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lkage/32/347658_2.png) [@lkage](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lkage)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 9:02pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/21 "2009-04-23T21:02:22Z")
> [@relliott](#): > > Irregardless I recommend what is best for the home… By what or whose standards do you define what is best? > [@relliott](#): > > …and if they update part of the electrical system such as GFCI not noted in kitchens or bathrooms then they must also by Law as you say update the entire system. > True or Not? Not true around here. ---
**Author:** ![jpope](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jpope/32/59425_2.png) [@jpope](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jpope)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 9:13pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/22 "2009-04-23T21:13:08Z")
> [@relliott](#): > > Irregardless I recommend what is best for the home and if they update part of the electrical system such as GFCI not noted in kitchens or bathrooms then they must also by Law as you say update the entire system. > True or Not? Not. The NEC does not require replacement receptacles to be grounded. > [@](#): > > NEC 406.3 General Installation Requirements. > > (D) Replacements. > > (3) Nongrounding-Type Receptacles. Where grounding means does not exist in the receptacle enclosure, the installation shall comply with (a), (b), or (c). > > (a) A nongrounding-type receptacle(s) shall be permitted to be replaced with another nongrounding-type receptacle(s). > > (b) A nongrounding-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 nongrounding-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. ---
**Author:** ![belliott](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/belliott/32/57038_2.png) [@belliott](https://forum.nachi.org/u/belliott)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 10:33pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/23 "2009-04-23T22:33:09Z")
**I recommend best practice at all times** and if you had a choice would you build your home for your family and children as ungrounded??? Hmmmm. Feels strange to defend what is best for a dwelling to a couple guys that know better. ‘I say continue to Inspect at minimum standard if you wish but do not force minimum on me.’ ---
**Author:** ![mlarson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mlarson/32/89225_2.png) [@mlarson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mlarson)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 10:43pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/24 "2009-04-23T22:43:10Z")
Bob, let me try to make a point by asking you to do something. Count up all the 2-wire devices you own and let us now if they need to be plugged into 3-wire outlets. ---
**Author:** ![jbushart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@jbushart](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jbushart)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 10:55pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/25 "2009-04-23T22:55:37Z")
> [@relliott](#): > > **I recommend best practice at all times** and if you had a choice would you build your home for your family and children as ungrounded??? > Hmmmm. > > Feels strange to defend what is best for a dwelling to a couple guys that know better. > > ‘I say continue to Inspect at minimum standard if you wish but do not force minimum on me.’ Last month, a first time home buyer hired me to inspect a termite ridden dwelling that he ultimately chose to walk away from. During the course of my review with him, following the inspection, I pointed out to him that the home had two-pronged wiring and explained (as my earlier post) that while this is acceptable and presents nothing in the nature of defects, he needs to be aware of some of the limitations and the hazards caused from “adapters”, etc. He told me that he had looked at several houses in the area and noticed that, in his particular price range and his personal preference for the older style home, he had already weighed these factors and considered this to be acceptable. In that his quest was not over and he would be selecting another house, he even inquired as to knob and tube…and we discussed that, as long as it is in its original condition and has not been spliced or otherwise modified, he could go with that as well. Who am I to impose my judgment over the tastes and desires of my client? Perhaps he married beneath himself. Is it my duty to inform him that he could probably find a better looking wife if he dumped the one he has and looked around a little more? Do I snatch the soft drink from his hand and replace it with a bottle of water, while warning him of the dangers of red meat? Do I even remotely suggest that he tear out a perfectly functioning and safe electrical system and replace it with another perfectly functioning and safe electrical system? Hell, no. I am there to look at the house and describe its systems and report on their condition. If it’s not defective I do not recommend that it be repaired or replaced. If it is defective, I do. Badabing…badaboom. ---
**Author:** ![jpope](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jpope/32/59425_2.png) [@jpope](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jpope)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:08pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/26 "2009-04-23T23:08:08Z")
> [@relliott](#): > > **I recommend best practice at all times** ??? Mike made the point perfectly. Please explain how/why “best practice” is to have all receptacles grounded when the **majority** of appliances do not require a grounding connection. ---
**Author:** ![belliott](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/belliott/32/57038_2.png) [@belliott](https://forum.nachi.org/u/belliott)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:30pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/27 "2009-04-23T23:30:21Z")
**Mike made no point!** I guess you guys in the romex world also consider extension cords to be great permanent conductors. I knew there had to be someone buying these things at the dollar stores right next to the vinyl dryer vents. Answer this wise guy. Do you screw in the little green bracket.:twisted: ? Do you check behind those fridges guys? (be sure to knock off the dust bunnies) ---
**Author:** ![mlarson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mlarson/32/89225_2.png) [@mlarson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mlarson)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:42pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/28 "2009-04-23T23:42:19Z")
Please tell us what additional safety is gained by plugging a 2-wire device into a 3-wire outlet. I could say "you can lead a horse to water but …I think I won’t 😉 ---
**Author:** ![mboyett](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mboyett/32/59512_2.png) [@mboyett](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mboyett)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:44pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/29 "2009-04-23T23:44:28Z")
If this were a poll I’d vote for Jeff, James, Mike & Larry’s position on this. Two wire systems, in and of themselves, are not a defect. An inspector could proffer his opinion that such a system could be upgraded if he so choose but I would not consider the system to be deficient. My standard comment says: > [@](#): > > The house is wired mostly with 2-prong ungrounded receptacles. While common years ago and still acceptable today, the lack of a grounding conductor will limit the use of certain appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, computers, etc. that require a ground (the round pin on the plug). Dedicated circuits may have to be run to properly and safety use such appliances. ---
**Author:** ![dedwards](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e95f7d/32.png) [@dedwards](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dedwards)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:44pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/30 "2009-04-23T23:44:35Z")
You would have to “explain” it first. ---
**Author:** ![dedwards](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e95f7d/32.png) [@dedwards](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dedwards)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:45pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/31 "2009-04-23T23:45:20Z")
You would have to “explain” it for some anyway. ---
**Author:** ![dedwards](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e95f7d/32.png) [@dedwards](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dedwards)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:46pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/32 "2009-04-23T23:46:43Z")
> [@mlarson](#): > > Please tell us what additional safety is gained by plugging a 2-wire device into a 3-wire outlet. > > I could say "you can lead a horse to water but …I think I won’t 😉 Good grief! I believe you would have to explain that too. ---
**Author:** ![mlarson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mlarson/32/89225_2.png) [@mlarson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mlarson)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:47pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/33 "2009-04-23T23:47:07Z")
Perfect Mr. Boyett ---
**Author:** ![jpope](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jpope/32/59425_2.png) [@jpope](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jpope)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:50pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/34 "2009-04-23T23:50:03Z")
Very good Mike - I like it. Just change one word; > [@](#): > > The house is wired mostly with 2-prong ungrounded receptacles. While common years ago and still acceptable today, the lack of a grounding conductor will limit the use of certain appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, computers, etc. that require a ground (the round pin on the plug). Dedicated circuits may have to be run to properly and **safety** _(safely)_ use such appliances. ---
**Author:** ![mboyett](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mboyett/32/59512_2.png) [@mboyett](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mboyett)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:51pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/35 "2009-04-23T23:51:02Z")
I probably plagiarized that from Jeff years ago…😃 ---
**Author:** ![jpope](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jpope/32/59425_2.png) [@jpope](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jpope)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:53pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/36 "2009-04-23T23:53:55Z")
Nope, not mine, but I would like to use it. . . ---
**Author:** ![mboyett](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mboyett/32/59512_2.png) [@mboyett](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mboyett)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2009, 11:57pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/37 "2009-04-23T23:57:10Z")
> [@jpope](#): > > Very good Mike - I like it. Just change one word; Yep, thanks for catching that. I have changed it. ---
**Author:** ![belliott](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/belliott/32/57038_2.png) [@belliott](https://forum.nachi.org/u/belliott)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2009, 12:51am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/38 "2009-04-24T00:51:26Z")
> [@mboyett](#): > > If this were a poll I’d vote for Jeff, James, Mike & Larry’s position on this. Two wire systems, in and of themselves,\*\* are not a defect. \*\*An inspector could proffer his opinion that such a system could be upgraded if he so choose but I would not consider the system to be deficient. My standard comment says: :roll:](_,)](_,)](\*,) No problem, now show me where in the hell I said defect. You can not plug many modern appliances in with out a groung plug. Adapters are not wise as even if you scew the little green bracket in, it is not grounding devises such as refrigerators. Jeff just mentioned above that it may be needed to run a dedicated circuit for such appliances. **MAY** (hahaha) **MAY** For crying out loud call it out as what it is, and stop sucking up to AGENTS. ---
**Author:** ![mlarson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mlarson/32/89225_2.png) [@mlarson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mlarson)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2009, 1:04am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/39 "2009-04-24T01:04:53Z")
[![](https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/02/26/images/2004022600090901.jpg) ](https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/02/26/images/2004022600090901.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![belliott](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/belliott/32/57038_2.png) [@belliott](https://forum.nachi.org/u/belliott)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2009, 1:18am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164/40 "2009-04-24T01:18:49Z")
Mike you must be the one on the left. Bet it is the same Kool aid from November. One may need to spend thousands running dedicated circuits and you would not even mention it in your report. Good Job. [Previous page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/2-prong-receptacles/38164.md?page=3)