Upgrading Two Prong to Three Prong Outlets - Don't Rewire Your House?

Do You Think Replacing Two Prong Outlets with GFCI is OK? Your Questions Answered.
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This video talks about the practice of using GFCI Outlets (receptacles) to avoid having to rewire your house when you have 2 prong ungrounded outlets and want to upgrade the 2 prong to 3 prong receptacles. This is a follow-up video to another one that I posted on this topic. I answer questions and comments from the first video, talk about how GFCI works, and whether or not a ground wire is needed.

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==Referenced Video==
Fixing Ungrounded Outlets - An Alternative Option to Rewiring Your Home

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Top Homeowner produces videos for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Information here is not to be viewed as advice but as an opinion. Viewers should be aware that if they choose to work on their homes, they do so at their own risk. Top Homeowner is not responsible for any damages that may occur to the property of a viewer. Some of the projects, materials, and techniques may not be suitable for all ages or skill levels. It is up to the viewer to decide whether to consult with a professional before working on their home. We make no claims to the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources featured in this video, and we will not be held responsible for the actions viewers may choose to take with the information provided. It is recommended that viewers use common sense and take all necessary safety measures. Codes, regulations, standards, and rules are constantly changing around the world, so it is the viewer's responsibility to ascertain their local requirements before starting any type of work.

[ms.mommie]

My husband was an electrician and did all these things. I’m grateful for remembering some of the terminology that he taught so I can do a few things on my own. RIP Lorenzo 👩🏾‍❤‍💋‍👨🏽

[johnrobinson]

My 1961 on slab home in Thousand Oaks had two prong receptacles. Installed GFI's on two wire fine, in the electrical code

[dareelamb]

The house I currently live in was built in the 1920s. The wiring was upgraded in the late 60s early 70s it does not have a ground wire. Some of my box has been upgraded and one room was completely required. I’ve enjoyed your videos and learned a lot. I know you recommend a licensed electrician and although I agree, $40000 to update my home is just not feasible at this time.

[surferdude]

At 4:50, it's fine to put multiple GFCI receptacles on a circuit as long as all the connections are made to the Line side. The Load will not be used.

[TomNouri]

Very clear and concise information, thank u ❤️🙏🏻

[Trollfest]

I have an issue, it’d be great if you could help! I upgraded two two-prong outlets to three-prong Leviton GFCI outlets. One has green light on, works fine, the other one has no light, and it doesn’t work. I’ll refer to them as A (the one that works) and B (the one that doesn’t) from now on. So, when I RESET B, it turns red for a short moment and shuts off A. B still doesn’t work and is not RESSETable anymore. But I am capable of RESETing A, and then it’s all back to beginning. A works, B doesn’t. They are both in the same room, neighboring walls, I don’t know if they are in the same circuit or not.
Any help would be appreciated, but this was very useful video, thank you! Definitely a new subscriber!

[johnsiebel]

If you have more than three outlets in room, that would probably mean that two of the outlets are four (4) wire (two coming in and two going out). How does one determine which is the first or incoming outlet which is where the GFCI should be located? Thank you in advance for the courtesy of a response.

[chefrowlet]

Really appreciate the code callout; it just adds that extra bit of credibility.

[henrynguyen]

Hi, I have a question? Do we need to have a ground line bond between the GFCI outlet back to the metal box housing? Thank you.

[VOLTRONDEFENDER]

I have replaced a broken switch(plate on the lever actualator broken but switch stil works) it had that backstab wires I ended up cutting and stripping it and wiring it as a clamp connection instead, this serves right on why clamp connection is better

[andystitt]

The box may be grounded. If you test 120 V between hot and the box with a volt meter u have a ground.

[jameswardle]

By useing only one GFI in a ladder circuit where the downstream ouletst detect diffrent load factors from lets say an amp or a motor starting that anomaly alone would cause the primary GFI to trip out

[jordanstickl]

Excellent video! This info was kinda hard to find. Thanks

[jingchen]

thank you for answering my questions. now I have a more serious question regarding GFCI. My question is, in the downstream of a GFCI protected circuit, should/can we hook up appliances such as refrigerator, dishwasher, microwaves, things that have capacitors to provide high starting voltages ? I found if they are placed after a GFCI, they will cause GFCI to trigger randomly and frequently, which is very annoying. or I can simply represent the question as, should refrigerator, dish washer, trash disposer be protected by GFCI or not and why, given that they are properly grounded?

[jarudolphesq]

For DIY work I gladly pay a little extra for the commercial outlets. Much easier to make a secure connection.

[samg]

thank you, great video! I did add on to my house years ago and regret not rewired the older portion of the house. I am planning to install GFCI in the two rooms that has ungrounded wire. However, I do have questions: the two ungrounded room has ungrounded wires but using a 3 prongs outlet. I was told that it is not safe doing that but isn't it the same as using an adaptor (3 into 2)? Also, other options is to grond the few important outlet by adding a gound wire which is a "smaller" job than to rewire the entire. I will like to know what you think before I jump into it. Many thanks. Or, anyone who viewed this comment and provide a helpful advice. (unfortunately, I can't afford to rewire all the rooms that has ungrounded wire at this moment)

[scottbarker]

nice up..n subscr..question is there a difference bettween a gfi & a have on ole house thats mainly ole black romex..no ground wire..so i put gfi-s in...restroom n kitchen..is this okay???its been years no problems yet.

[bobbystanely]

Great video! I appreciate you taking time and making these videos. I have a question on GFCI outlets. My house mainly has 2 prong outlets and I"m looking to change them with 3 prong. Should I change all the outlets with GFCI receptacles? Thanks

[lauralynneh]

Would I be able to safely plug my space heater in with the GFI? I have an old drafty house with one room (bedroom) that is freezing in Winter - thanks

[yvesgravel]

All the outlets in my home office (from the 60s) now have CFGIs. You said that for certain devices (I worry about my Macbook and guitar amps) you MUST use a grounded outlet. Since it is not an option for me would a quality power bar with an integrated breaker provide some additional protection? Or is the type of protection these bars are made for unrelated to issues pertaining to grounding?