If your home is over 50 years old and has not had an electrical system update, then the chances are that you are still using two-prong outlets. Two-prong outlets are inconvenient and can be hazardous. There are many reasons you need to upgrade from two-prong outlets—find out why by reading on below.
The Potential Dangers of Two-Prong Outlets
The greatest danger of using two-prong outlets is the risk of electrocution. There’s no grounding wire for excess electricity to escape. This also increases the risk of fire from faulty wiring or overloaded circuits. Fuses can blow because two-prong outlets don’t provide enough power. Power surges can cause permanent damage to electronic equipment that is not protected by a working surge protector.
Since 1962, U.S. homes have been built with three-prong outlets. Three-prong outlets have a grounding wire, while two-prong outlets don’t. The grounding wire redirects electrical surges safely into the ground.
Be careful—owners of older homes may have replaced outlet two-slot cover plates with three-slot ones. Even if receptacles have three-slot cover plates, that doesn’t mean that their electrical systems were upgraded properly with a grounding wire. Some may have been upgraded with a grounding wire from the outlets to the electrical panel, but not a grounding wire from the electrical panel to the ground. In order for a surge-protector to work, you need a grounded three-prong outlet.
Switch to Three-Prong Outlets
Contact a certified electrician to inspect your home and make sure the proper installations and upgrades are made. To change to three-prong outlets, a grounding wire must be installed from your outlets to your main electrical panel. The grounding wire must also be run to an underground outlet.
If you’re looking for a quality electrician in the Hanover area, contact Tim Kyle Electric. We provide home safety service plans and safety checks. We have skilled technicians who can provide panel upgrades, new installation or rewiring, and surge protection. At Tim Kyle Electric, we have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for all our residential electrical services. You don’t pay a dime—or even a penny—until you are fully satisfied!