I agree.
However, I am not sure about the SOP’s “intentions”. A 10 cent lawyer would likely disagree with you if it promoted their case. Something to consider.
1 Like
Thanks Jeffrey
1 Like
You’re welcome, James. I’m glad it helped.
A two prong outlet operates as intended without a ground.
A three prong outlet without a ground DOES NOT operate as intended.
A three prong GFCI without a ground operates as intended. A ground is not required for a GFCI to function, thus the sticker to advise there is no ground present.
5 Likes
Jeffrey nailed it. 
One other option would be an upstream GFCI device with 3-prong ungrounded receptacles and the stickers.
1 Like
Since a GFCI can replace an two prong and will have no ground but provide the safety required of a grounded outlet why does it have to be labeled as having no ground? asking for a friend.
Two prong (non-grounded) receptacles were observed. Although these were commonly used years ago, we recommend a licensed electrician upgrade to grounded three prong receptacles.
3 Likes
Kevin mentioned one reason in post #10. GFCI protection is not a substitute for an equipment ground when an appliance or piece of equipment requires the connection to a grounded receptacle.
4 Likes
What?? I disagree. I have more 3-pronged stuff in my house than 2 prong by far.
1 Like
Appliances. Toasters, blenders, coffee makers, curling irons, heating pads, can openers, carving knives, croc pots etc. are often 2-prong. Actual percentages may vary depending on manufacturer. 
3 Likes
I have 3 table saws and 3 miter saws, all are two prong. Almost everything I own does not have a ground.
1 Like
Well you must have a unique set of appliances.
1 Like
Such as Thrift store finds from the 70s? 
2 Likes
A grounded receptacle will provide a path to ground in event of a short circuit. In a 2-wire circuit the GFIC receptacle has no such path and must be labeled accordingly. The GFIC monitors the current flow across the load and opens the circuit on the imbalance between the hot & neutral when a short occurs.
2 Likes
Thanks Joseph, that part I understand, the question i was looking for an answer to is what difference does that make to me the casual user if the protection afforded is the same using a gfci or a grounded receptacle - or is it different protection?
One protects the human the other the equipment (loosely speaking).
3 Likes
The GFCI protects the person. The equipment ground protects the appliance.
2 Likes
Remember back when 2-prong receptacles were the standard the majority of them were installed as part of a conduit assembly, under those circumstances the conduit provided the path to ground. The real problem with grounding occurs when 2-prong receptacles are employed as part of a K&T or non-metallic assembly lacking a ground conductor.
1 Like
I doubt it, I checked my Keurig coffee maker, Nespresso coffee brewer, OTR microwave, refrigerator, chest freezer, mini-bar fridge, clothes washer, GDO, etc.
All grounded, 3-prong type. Not unique appliances at all.
To expand on how Simon answered this question, a GFCI on an ungrounded circuit should give a person shock protection, but it may not provide equipment protection because the short circuit may damage the equipment before the GFCI trips. Also, the GFCI is not as reliable for shock protection as a path to ground would be. The path to ground on a 3-prong circuit has no moving parts involved.
3 Likes