Grounding Electrical Outlets

[DrPizza]

If it's a rental, there *may* be GFCI's that can be plugged in, rather than replacing the outlet altogether. The reason I think this is that I have several appliances that have GFCI built into its plug. I cannot see a reason that such a device would be against electrical code, and it seems like the perfect solution for people who are smart enough to know that the 3-prong adapters are only a temporary solution. But, unless the landlord is going to cover the cost, I see no reason to upgrade the apartment for him. I'll google in a moment.

 

[DrPizza]

Wow, they're hard to find! And, not too cheap. here

On one hand, it'd be cheaper to just put in GFCI outlets and eat the cost yourself. On the other hand, you'd always have these & could use them with appliances in the future that would be safer with GFCI protection, but an existing GFCI protected circuit isn't present.

For how many years do you expect to rent? How many times are you planning to change apartments? These two questions would probably influence which way is best.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
Wow, they're hard to find!

You can find them at any Home Depot by the extension cords.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
Wow, they're hard to find! And, not too cheap. here

On one hand, it'd be cheaper to just put in GFCI outlets and eat the cost yourself. On the other hand, you'd always have these & could use them with appliances in the future that would be safer with GFCI protection, but an existing GFCI protected circuit isn't present.

For how many years do you expect to rent? How many times are you planning to change apartments? These two questions would probably influence which way is best.

Well we plan to be there for about a year. That is a rough estimate, it depends on where we are at next summer. I have no issues eating the cost of a GFCI outlet (only $30 or so for the outlet per your link), and if they are more expensive then just reinstall the current one when we move.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: DrPizza
Wow, they're hard to find! And, not too cheap. here

On one hand, it'd be cheaper to just put in GFCI outlets and eat the cost yourself. On the other hand, you'd always have these & could use them with appliances in the future that would be safer with GFCI protection, but an existing GFCI protected circuit isn't present.

For how many years do you expect to rent? How many times are you planning to change apartments? These two questions would probably influence which way is best.

Well we plan to be there for about a year. That is a rough estimate, it depends on where we are at next summer. I have no issues eating the cost of a GFCI outlet (only $30 or so for the outlet per your link), and if they are more expensive then just reinstall the current one when we move.

A GFCI outlet can be had for less than $12/outlet in a 3 pack at any local home improvement store, and even less online.

Also, remember that you have to label the GFCI outlet as non-grounded when you install it (it will come with stickers to apply) and then you can replace 2-prong outlets down the line with 3 prong receptacles as long as you also label them as non-grounded.

EDIT: When replacing non-grounded receptacles with 3-prong receptacles, in addition to the non-grounded labeling, you also have to label them GFCI protected.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: DrPizza
Wow, they're hard to find! And, not too cheap. here

On one hand, it'd be cheaper to just put in GFCI outlets and eat the cost yourself. On the other hand, you'd always have these & could use them with appliances in the future that would be safer with GFCI protection, but an existing GFCI protected circuit isn't present.

For how many years do you expect to rent? How many times are you planning to change apartments? These two questions would probably influence which way is best.

Well we plan to be there for about a year. That is a rough estimate, it depends on where we are at next summer. I have no issues eating the cost of a GFCI outlet (only $30 or so for the outlet per your link), and if they are more expensive then just reinstall the current one when we move.

A GFCI outlet can be had for less than $12/outlet in a 3 pack at any local home improvement store, and even less online.

Also, remember that you have to label the GFCI outlet as non-grounded when you install it (it will come with stickers to apply) and then you can replace 2-prong outlets down the line with 3 prong receptacles as long as you also label them as non-grounded.

Oh cool, didn't realize they were that cheap. I will definitely label them as non-grounded, but for that price I won't even care about replacing them later.

 

[JEDI]

whats the diff between "A" and "BA" electricians?
(ie: 'A' Jorneyman)

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: DrPizza
Wow, they're hard to find! And, not too cheap. here

On one hand, it'd be cheaper to just put in GFCI outlets and eat the cost yourself. On the other hand, you'd always have these & could use them with appliances in the future that would be safer with GFCI protection, but an existing GFCI protected circuit isn't present.

For how many years do you expect to rent? How many times are you planning to change apartments? These two questions would probably influence which way is best.

Well we plan to be there for about a year. That is a rough estimate, it depends on where we are at next summer. I have no issues eating the cost of a GFCI outlet (only $30 or so for the outlet per your link), and if they are more expensive then just reinstall the current one when we move.

A GFCI outlet can be had for less than $12/outlet in a 3 pack at any local home improvement store, and even less online.

Also, remember that you have to label the GFCI outlet as non-grounded when you install it (it will come with stickers to apply) and then you can replace 2-prong outlets down the line with 3 prong receptacles as long as you also label them as non-grounded.

Oh cool, didn't realize they were that cheap. I will definitely label them as non-grounded, but for that price I won't even care about replacing them later.

I forgot one thing, you also need to label them "GFCI protected." Again, the GFCI should come with stickers that have this message on them.