Banish the Two-Prong Outlet

I just kicked my three prong adapter habit; you know those little gadgets that allow a 21st Century three-prong appliance cord to be plugged into the two-prong outlets of a 20th Century house.

 

Replacing electrical outlets is such a simple job it is hard to understand why I procrastinated or invested in so many adapters.  In the process of updating the outlets I also eliminated potential hazards from some so worn that they no longer properly gripped the plug, one that had obviously short-circuited at some point, and one where part of the outlet was broken off from a collision with a Big Wheel or something. 

 

Pick a time when there is sufficient natural light to work so you can turn off all of the household power.  If you pull the power only for that one circuit use a line tester to make sure the outlet is really dead; wiring can be strange.  You will need a new receptacle, a Phillips head and a regular screwdriver and perhaps needle nosed pliers. 

 

Remove the switch plate.    Chances are good that there are two screws on each side of the old receptacle but, as in the illustration, three on one side of the new one.  Don’t panic. 

Related Electrical Information:

• Whole House Surge Protectors
• New Knot, New Plug
• Leaky Toilets, Part Two
• Electrical Safety Tips & Hazards
• San Diego Electricians
• Energy Star
• Electric Costs and Need for Maintenance

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This entry was posted on Friday, July 24th, 2009 at 2:43 pm and is filed under Electrical . You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.